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Bad Breath
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Do you have bad breath? You are not alone. Every day, an estimated 50 lakh people visit dentists world over complaining of bad breath. In fact, after toothache, this is the most common symptom that a patient visits a dentist for. From the layman to the bureaucrat, almost everybody suffers from bad breath. Bad breath commonly called halitosis or oral malodor in medical terminology.
Bad breath, or halitosis, can be a major problem, especially when you're about to whisper a joke to your friend. The good news is that bad breath can often be prevented with some simple steps.
Bad breath is caused by odor-producing bacteria that grow in the mouth. When you don't brush and floss regularly, bacteria accumulate on the bits of food left in your mouth and between your teeth. The sulfur compounds released by these bacteria make your breath smell.
Certain foods, especially ones like garlic and onions that contain pungent oils, can contribute to bad breath because the oils are carried to your lungs and out through your mouth. Smoking is also a major cause of bad breath.
Common Causes
If previously normal breath turns into halitosis, causes could include:
- Food or beverages consumed (such as cabbage, garlic, raw onions, or coffee)
- Vitamin supplements (especially in large doses)
- Poor dental hygiene
- Dentures
- Cavities
- Tobacco smoking
- Alcoholism
- Throat infection
- Sinusitis
- Lung infection
- Gum disease (gingivitis, gingivostomatitis)
- Abscessed tooth
- Lung infection
There are lots of myths about taking care of bad breath. Here are three things you may have heard about bad breath that are not true:
Myth #1 - Mouthwash will make bad breath go away.
Mouthwash only gets rid of bad breath temporarily. If you do use mouthwash, look for an antiseptic (kills the germs that cause bad breath) and plaque-reducing one. If you are wondering what plaque is, it is nothing but the film that forms on the tooth when not cleaned properly.
Myth #2 - As long as you brush your teeth, you shouldn't have bad breath.
The truth is that most people only brush their teeth for 30 to 45 seconds, which just doesn't cut it. To sufficiently clean all the surfaces of your teeth, you should brush for at least 2 minutes at least twice a day. Remember to brush your tongue, too - bacteria love to hang out there.
Myth #3 - If you breathe into your hand, you'll know when you have bad breath.
Wrong! When you breathe, you don't use your throat the same way you do when you talk. When you talk, you tend to bring out the odors from the back of your mouth (where bad breath originates), which simply breathing doesn't do. Also, because we tend to get used to our own smells, it's hard for a person to tell if he or she has bad breath.
If you're concerned about bad breath, make sure you're taking care of your teeth and mouth properly. Some sugar-free gums and mints can temporarily mask odors, too.
If you brush properly and visit your dentist for regular cleanings, but your bad breath persists, you may have a medical problem like sinusitis or gum disease. Call your doctor or dentist if you suspect a problem. They can figure out if something else is behind your bad breath and help you take care of it.