The medical term for unpleasant breath is halitosis. Halitosis is a rather prevalent condition, despite its embarrassment. Because it’s difficult to smell your own breath, halitosis may have been present for a long time before you realised it. You can cover it up briefly with gum or mints, as you probably know. You may, however, take actions to permanently eliminate foul breath if you know what’s causing it. Dentist Eugene Oregon Explains Everything you need to know about halitosis is right here.
Halitosis Causes
Bacterial halitosis is one of the most common types of halitosis. Those bacteria are an important aspect of food digestion, and they work tirelessly to break down whatever you ingest. Too much beneficial bacteria can lead to a variety of health problems, including halitosis. Why does bacteria accumulate in your mouth?
Poor dental hygiene
Sometimes the most obvious solution is the simplest. Brushing and flossing properly eliminate both the food particles that bacteria feed on and the germs themselves. Brush for two minutes at least twice a day, and floss once a day. Flossing eliminates food and bacteria from between the teeth, which can lead to cavities and gum disease. A healthy & Fresh mouth is one that is clean.
Dry mouth
Saliva is a crucial element of the digestive process, so dry mouth is a problem. Saliva aids in the breakdown of food and the transport of small particles (to the stomach!) for the next step of digestion. Many factors influence the amount of saliva in your mouth. It’s common to wake up with “morning breath” because your mouth generates less saliva while you sleep. It could be inherited or a result of ageing. Dry mouth is a common adverse effect of several drugs.
This cause of halitosis, fortunately, has a simple treatment. Drinking plenty of water helps to boost saliva production and mimics its benefits by washing away food particles. Water, not caffeinated or sugary drinks, is, of course, the greatest choice for your teeth and health. Chewing gum stimulates the salivary glands, causing more saliva to be produced. As long as the gum is sugar-free, it also cleans your teeth. Sugarless gum manufactured with xylitol is even healthier for your oral health because xylitol has its own anti-tooth decay characteristics.
Oral infection
Bacterial infections are commonly seen in cavities, abscesses, and gum disease, all of which can lead to halitosis. These illnesses put your teeth, mouth, and overall health at danger. Bad breath might be a sign that something is wrong, especially if you haven’t had a dental checkup in a while. Visiting the Eugene Dentist every six months for an oral exam and expert cleaning helps to prevent infections, cavities, and other problems.
Sinus infection
People who suffer from chronic sinus problems frequently have halitosis. Mucus from the sinuses seeps into the mouth, drying down saliva and causing the same dry mouth that favours bacteria growth. This is yet another reason for dry mouth, but it merits special attention due to the large number of people who suffer from sinus problems.
Bacteria aren’t necessarily to blame for bad breath. Although that type of halitosis has a distinct odour, there are other causes that produce different odours.
Smoking
Cigarettes have a distinct stench that may be detected on the breath and in the clothing of those who smoke them. Heavy smokers will taste stale smoke even with minty gum and tooth brushing because of the smoke’s absorption into the lungs. One of the numerous reasons not to smoke is the unpleasant taste it leaves in your mouth.
Food
Also falling under the “common sense” category, certain strong-tasting meals, such as garlic and onions, may linger in your mouth. These meals, as well as several spices, enter the bloodstream, are secreted via your pores, and can return to your mouth from your lungs.
Cancers and other diseases
Malignancies and other diseases – Bad breath and the presence of specific gases could indicate the presence of cancers or other diseases. Excess methylamine, for example, can indicate liver and kidney problems, while ammonia can indicate renal failure. Acetone levels above a certain threshold can suggest diabetes, whilst nitric oxide levels can be used to identify asthma. Any anomalies can be detected with a visit to your doctor.
Halitosis does not have to be a mystery if you follow the dentist’s advice and go to the dentist on a regular basis. Your dentist can assist you in determining the source of your persistent bad breath. Trust the professionals at Quest Dental Eugene to look after your oral health if you live in the Eugene, OR region. Call 541-688-7278 to make an appointment with one of our friendly office staff members now!