by When regular oral hygiene does not help, however, you may have a problem. “There is a difference between noticing that your breath is not fresh in relation to the chronic odor that does not go away no matter how much you brush or floss,” says New York-based cosmetic dentist Brian Kantor, DDS. The latter is what is known as bad breath, and according to Fariba S. Younai, DDS, Professor of Clinical Dentistry at UCLA, to qualify for bad breath, your bad breath must also be detected by someone else. except you. Εμtoo stressful?
If you are one of the 25 percent of people who suffer from bad breath, it is important to get to the root cause of the problem – not just to stop it, but because your bad breath may be trying to tell you something about your mouth. your health or habits.
Keep reading about the common causes of bad breath – and what to do about each
1. Poor oral hygiene and dental problems
This type of bad breath is typically characterized, according to Dr. Unai, by a rotten egg-type odor due to the nature of the gases involved – specifically sulfur. Studies show that in 85 percent of cases, the cause is intraoral (such as the result of either gum disease or bacterial tongue coating). And according to research, this is because language offers an ideal environment for the accumulation of pathogenic microorganisms. If you’re not on the tongue-scratching train yet, it’s time to move on: A 2004 study showed that practice reduces the aforementioned bacterial overlay, thus improving the odor.
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Bacterial wastes that are stuck between the teeth or decayed teeth are also a common culprit for bad breath. Sure, brushing and flossing can help, but it is important to visit the dentist regularly (once or twice a year) for deep cleansing. “Dentists can clean under the tissue and small areas that do not reach the brush and floss at home, which will help eliminate the odor caused by rot and debris left behind for long periods of time,” he said. Dr. Says Kantor.
2. Severe dry mouth
Some medications, such as antidepressants, as well as other factors such as stress and, of course, simple aging, can lead to bad breath because they disrupt the natural production of saliva, a critical cleansing ingredient in your oral ecosystem. “When the natural flow of saliva is inhibited – as is the case with some medicines – natural bacteria are allowed to spend a day in the field with the nutrients that are stuck in your teeth,” he says. Dr. Kantor. “The normal flow of saliva flushes out a lot of this bacterial food complex.”
If the cause is related to Rx, you probably can not quit your prescription. But Dr. Kantor advises that you can alleviate the situation by being selective with your oral hygiene products. It is advisable to avoid alcohol-containing mouthwash, as this will further dry out the mouth and allow the bacteria to multiply and thrive. Instead, choose a mouthwash that will keep the balance of saliva and bacteria under control.
3. Medical conditions
Although the smell of rotten eggs is more common, bad breath can also have a fishy odor, too sweet, resembling urine or acetone. And these unpleasant odors can have causes not related to your oral health, instead it implies a more serious underlying condition, such as diabetes (acetone, sweet), intestinal metabolic problems (fish), kidney or liver failure (urine or fish) or endocrine disorders. (Be aware, however, that these links are rare, and experts recommend that you seek dental care before you assume they are to blame.)
Dr. Kantor and Dr. Younai agree that the first step in diagnosing such an underlying condition is to eliminate the causes associated with your oral hygiene by visiting your dentist. “Dental problems are by far the most common cause of bad breath and should therefore be ruled out before considering any systemic health problems,” notes Dr. Yoonai. But if you have upgraded the dental care game in your home and you are yet When you are constantly asked if you want a piece of chewing gum, you may need to schedule some QT with your doctor.
Originally published on January 3, 2018
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