Bad breath can always be unappealing. Be it a business meeting, catching up with friends, or even a date, foul smell from the mouth can easily be a turn-off. Surprisingly, almost half of the American population who suffers from this dental condition aren’t very much aware of its cause and continues to ignore it. Most believe a bottle of mouthwash would do the trick, but seldom do they know the real reason behind bad breath.
Let’s understand the science
Morning hours are usually the worst time among sufferers of bad breath. It occurs as the mouth tends to dry out due to less saliva production during sleeping hours. In most cases, a minimal amount of foul smell is considered to be normal; however, in instances where it is evident while you speak throughout the day, it can be the sign of a pretty severe dental condition.
There are several causes of bad breath. We explain to them as follows.
Dry mouth
A dry mouth is known to be the perfect environment to host anaerobic bacteria that may release a volatile Sulphur compound that contributes to the foul smell. What can cause dryness? The primary cause is due to reduced saliva production, although there are several supporting factors. It may just be because of over smoking, consumption of too much tea, or even talking for a long time.
Certain types of food
That scrumptious prawns may have been delicious, but can be a primary cause of bad breath! Food such as garlic, onions, and cauliflowers do release Sulphur compounds that can add to the foul smell. So, be wise to avoid them if you suffer from chronic bad breath.
Poor oral health
Poor oral health can be another reason for sustaining bad breath. Teeth don’t regenerate on its own; hence, inadequate oral hygiene leads to the growth of bacteria on them and gums.
A few common myths and similar facts about bad breath that’d certainly help!
#1
Myth: Bad breath has its origin from the stomach!
Fact: Bad breath is caused due to several factors such as build of bacterial on gums and teeth, smoking, poor oral hygiene, etc. It is doubtful that acids from the stomach to known as the contributing factor.
#2
Myth: Mouthwashes and mint tablets can curb bad breath!
Fact: Although they give temporary relief from bad breath, these commercial products cannot mask your odor for long. The ingredients contained in some mouthwashes may irritate the surface of the tongue and even sometimes cause dryness leading to even more bad breath! It is always advised to seek medical treatment instead of a temporary solution.
#3
Myth: Probiotics cures halitosis.
Fact: No such scientific evidence supports the above statement.
Treatment for bad breath
Halitosis is termed for the chronic condition of bad breath. The cure for halitosis lies in the approach of removing bacteria and neutralizing volatile Sulphur compounds from the surface of the tongue, teeth, and gums.
If left untreated, some cases of halitosis can be dangerous and potentially life-threatening. As you carry out a few professional dental cleanings and oral hygiene advice from our expert dentists, it’d help you get rid of the plaque and tartar that had built over time.
However, proper oral hygiene can eliminate the need for treatment as bad breath can always be controlled during its initial stages. The key is never to neglect any symptoms and to always stick to routine oral hygiene routines. Let’s take a step forward to control bad breath, today.