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Halitosis (Bad Breath) What It Is

Halitosis (Bad Breath) What It Is

Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is a common problem for many people. There are many reasons for this bad odor. Many of these are treatable conditions. Although it may seem like a minor health problem, it may be a symptom of gum disease. In addition, bad mouth odor also damages people's social relationships. A person with bad breath cannot be confident in their social life. If you have a bad mouth odor problem, you may have tried or researched many methods for this. Remember that, like many health problems, its treatment depends on its causes.

What is Bad Breath?

Bad breath is a health condition that can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. There are many reasons for bad breath. But the most common reason is that the person cannot fully maintain oral hygiene. If the person has a persistent and disturbing odor despite maintaining oral hygiene, it may also develop due to other diseases. Possible causes of bad breath that does not go away for a long time should be examined.

An unpleasant odor in the morning is generally considered normal. Bad smell is felt as a result of food particles entering between the teeth and accumulating on the tongue. This bad odor is not permanent and will disappear after brushing the teeth and performing oral care.

Some people think that they have bad breath, even though they do not have any bad breath. A person who is uncomfortable with this situation can see a dentist. Bad breath may also occur due to tooth and gum diseases.

Sometimes there may be odors originating from outside the mouth. These may occur due to diseases related to the stomach, nasal cavity and upper respiratory tract. In these cases, the underlying cause must be examined at first and then treated.

What are the causes of bad breath?

Halitosis can be caused by dental care habits. It may also indicate other health problems. Bad breath can progress depending on the types of food and other unhealthy lifestyle habits.

Flossing and routine dental care are extremely important for oral care. Food particles may remain in the mouth on teeth that are not brushed, or flossed.Food particles left between the teeth cause bacterial growth around the gums and on the tongue. These events cause bad breath. Antibacterial mouthwashes can help reduce bad smell in the mouth. Dentures that are not cleaned may be another cause of bad breath.

Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth can also be a sign of gum  disease. Plaque accumulation on teeth and toxins that irritate the gums can cause gum diseases. If bad breath is caused by gum disease, it should be treated as soon as possible. Untreated gum-related disorders can damage teeth and jawbone.

Other Causes That May Cause Bad Breath

Oral fungal infections
Tooth decay
Sinusitis
Tonsillitis
Diseases of the stomach and intestinal systems
Long-term hunger
Alcohol use
Cigarettes and tobacco products
Dry mouth
Diabetes
Kidney diseases
Nose and nasal flesh disorders

Which Diseases Can Halitosis Be a Symptom of?

Bad breath is not a disease, but it can be a symptom of some diseases. Physiologically, bad breath that may occur depending on the food you eat is considered okay. However, bad breath is sometimes caused by pathological conditions.

Tooth decay
Sinusitis
Angina
Throat diseases such as adenoids
Digestive system diseases such as reflux and stomach disorders
Diabetes
Liver failure
It may also be a symptom of systemic diseases such as kidney failure.

How Are Bad Breath and Related Diseases Diagnosed?

If the odor is caused by gum disease, your dentist can treat the disease. Bad breath can disturb not only the person himself, but also the people around him as it progresses over time.

It is very important to diagnose the condition that causes bad breath. An oral and dental examination and x-rays may be performed to detect tooth decay. In addition, gum diseases can be diagnosed through examination.

How to Treat Bad Breath?

The underlying cause of bad breath may be inadequate oral hygiene. In this case, simple methods such as daily cleaning of the teeth and using dental floss and mouthwash may be useful. Teeth should be brushed 3 times a day for at least 2 minutes using fluoride toothpaste, and after each meal, food particles remaining between the teeth should be removed with dental floss. Antibacterial mouthwashes should be used if necessary.

In addition to dental care, you can also clean the bacteria that accumulate on the tongue during the day with tongue cleaning brushes specially produced to clean the bacteria on the tongue. If you are using dentures, they should be removed at night and cleaned thoroughly before insertion the next day. Dentures that are not cleaned are an often overlooked cause of bad odor.

Drinking insufficient water is among the factors that can cause bad breath. Drinking water stimulates saliva production, which helps clean bacteria in the mouth. Additionally, smoking is one of the leading causes of bad odor.

If bad breath is due to tooth decay or infection in the gums, bad breath can be treated by the dentist by applying the most appropriate treatment methods. It is recommended that a healthy person have an oral and dental examination twice a year.

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