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Millions of bacteria live in the mouth, particularly on the
back of the tongue. In many people, they are the primary causes of bad breath.
The mouth's moist conditions are ideal for the growth of these bacteria.
Most bad breath is caused by something in the mouth.
Some types of bad breath are considered to be fairly normal.
They usually are not health concerns. One example is "morning mouth."
This occurs because of changes in your mouth while you sleep. During the day,
saliva washes away decaying food and odors. The body makes less saliva at
night. Your mouth becomes dry, and dead cells stick to your tongue and to the
inside of your cheeks. When bacteria use these cells for food, they produce a
foul odor.
In addition, bad breath can be caused by the following:
Poor dental hygiene — Infrequent or improper brushing and
flossing, allows bits of food that are stuck between the teeth to decay inside
the mouth. Poor oral hygiene eventually will lead to periodontal (gum) disease,
which also can cause bad breath.
Infections in the mouth — These can be caused by either a
cavity in a tooth or by periodontal (gum) disease.
Respiratory tract infections — Throat, sinus or lung
infections
External source — Garlic, onions, coffee, cigarette smoking,
chewing tobacco. Smoking and drinking coffee, tea and/or red wine will
contribute to your teeth becoming discolored.
Dry mouth (xerostomia) — This can be caused by salivary
gland problems, medicines or "mouth breathing." A large number of
prescriptions and over the counter medicines cause dry mouth.
Illnesses — Diabetes, liver disease, kidney disease, lung
disease, sinus disease, reflux disease and others
Psychiatric illness — Some people may believe they have bad
breath, but others do not notice it. This is referred to as
"pseudohalitosis."
Symptoms
You may not always know that you have bad breath. That's
because odor-detecting cells in the nose eventually get used to the smell.
Other people may notice and react by stepping away from you as you speak, or
making a face.
Other symptoms depend on the underlying cause of bad breath:
Infections in the mouth — Symptoms depend on the type of
infection. They can include:
Red or swollen gums that may bleed easily, especially after
brushing or flossing
Pus between teeth or a pocket of pus (abscess) at the base
of a tooth
Loose teeth or a change in how a denture fits
Painful, open sores on the tongue or gums
Respiratory tract infections — Symptoms may include:
Sore throat
Swollen lymph nodes ("swollen glands") in the neck
Fever
Stuffy nose
A greenish or yellowish discharge from the nose
A cough that produces mucus
Dry mouth — Symptoms may include:
Difficulty swallowing dry foods
Difficulty speaking for a long time because of mouth dryness
Burning in the mouth
An unusually high number of cavities
Dry eyes (in Sjögren's syndrome)
Illnesses — Symptoms of diabetes, lung disease, kidney
failure or liver disease
Diagnosis
A dentist or physician may notice bad breath during an
office visit. Sometimes, the smell of the patient's breath may suggest a likely
cause for the problem. For example, "fruity" breath may be a sign of
uncontrolled diabetes. A urine-like smell, especially in a person who is at
high risk of kidney disease, can sometimes indicate kidney failure.
Your dentist will review your medical history for conditions
that can cause bad breath and for medicines that can cause dry mouth. Your
dentist also will ask you about your diet, personal habits (smoking, chewing
tobacco) and any symptoms. He or she also will ask who noticed the bad breath
and when.
Your dentist will examine your teeth, gums, mouth and
salivary glands. He or she also will feel your head and neck and will evaluate
your breath when you exhale from your nose and from your mouth.
Your dentist may refer you to your family physician if an
illness is the most likely cause. In severe cases of gum disease, your dentist
may suggest that you see a periodontist (dentist who specializes in gum
problems).
You will need diagnostic tests if the doctor suspects a lung
infection, diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease or Sjögren's syndrome. The
type of tests you get depends on the suspected illness. You may get blood
tests, urine tests, X-rays of the chest or sinuses, or other tests.
Expected Duration
How long bad breath lasts depends on its cause. For example,
when the problem results from poor dental hygiene, proper dental care will
begin to freshen the mouth right away. You'll have even better results after a
few days of regular brushing and flossing. Periodontal disease and tooth
abscess also respond quickly to proper dental treatment. Bad breath caused by
chronic sinusitis may keep coming back, especially if it is caused by a
structural abnormality of the sinuses.
Bad breath that results from an illness may be a long-term
problem. It often can be controlled with proper medical care.
Prevention
Bad breath caused by dental problems can be prevented easily
with proper home and professional care.
Brush your teeth, tongue and gums after meals and floss
daily. This is the most important factor if your bad breath is caused by dental
problems
If your dentist recommends it, rinse with a mouthwash
approved by the American Dental Association (ADA)
Visit the dentist regularly (at least twice a year) for an
exam and tooth cleaning.
You also can combat bad breath by drinking plenty of water
every day to help your body make saliva. An occasional swish of the mouth with
water can loosen bits of food. Sugar-free gum or sugar-free breath mints can
help you keep breath fresh and prevent plaque from forming. But be aware that
consuming large amounts of sugar-free gum and/or mints that contain sorbitol
may cause side effects. These can include diarrhea and bloating.
Treatment
The treatment of bad breath depends on its cause.
When To Call A Professional
Call your dentist promptly if you have bad breath with loose
teeth or painful, swollen gums that bleed easily. Also, call your doctor if you
have bad breath along with any of the following symptoms:
Fever
Sore throat
Postnasal drip
Discolored nasal discharge
Cough that produces mucus
Even if you have none of these symptoms, call your dentist
or physician if your bad breath continues despite a good diet and proper dental
hygiene.
Sometimes bad breath can be a sign that a medical condition
needs attention right away. If you have diabetes, gastroesophageal reflux
disease (GERD) or chronic liver or kidney disease, ask your doctor what bad
breath may mean for your condition.
Prognosis
The outlook for fresh breath is usually excellent if you
stick to your dentist's or physician's treatment plan.
Article from: Colgate Professional
Call Omni Dental today at (512) 250-5012 to speak with one of our specialists about the latest ways of enhancing your smile and dental health. You can also go to our website: omnidentalgroup.com for more information.
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ReplyDeleteBody Fit and Healthy tips, Home remedies for Diseases
Body Fit and Healthy tips, Home remedies for Diseases
Body Fit and Healthy tips, Home remedies for Diseases
I appreciate your information on the Halitosis. I wrote about this, too, recently. More specifically about the causes and cure to Halitosis.
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