Bad Breath Is More Than Just an Oral Problem
Are you feeling self-conscious because of bad breath? Whether your bad
breath has been plaguing you for most of your life or you have just recently
been diagnosed with the condition, halitosis is more than just an oral
problem. It can result in low self-esteem, strain in intimate relationships,
as well as depression. It is an embarrassing health condition that affects
approximately 30 percent of the world’s population. While poor oral
hygiene is assumed to always be the cause of bad breath, there are cases
when halitosis is caused by other factors.
Some of these factors include:
- Foods such as onions and garlic
- Dry mouth
- Prescription medications
- Infections in your mouth
- Imbalance of bacteria in your gut
Some individuals may also develop halitosis as a result of infections or
chronic inflammations in your mouth, nose, and tonsils as well as other
illnesses or diseases such as diabetes, lung disease, kidney disease,
some cancers, liver disease, and other metabolic disorders. This is why
going to your doctor to have your halitosis diagnosed is of utmost importance.
Getting a Proper Diagnosis & Treatment
It’s perfectly understandable if you find it hard to ask even your
closest family or friend if you have bad breath. You may try sniffing
your own breath by licking the inside of your wrist and letting it dry
for a moment before taking a whiff. If you don’t like what you smell,
you should review your oral hygiene routine first. Brush your teeth twice
daily, clean in between your teeth, and top it off with an antibacterial
mouthwash. If after all these, you are still bothered by the smell of
your breath, it may be time to see your dentist.
In diagnosing halitosis, your dentist will smell the breath from your mouth
as well as your nose. He/she may also scrape your tongue and assess its
odor to make sure of your diagnosis. Your treatment will depend on the
cause of your halitosis. If it’s caused by dental problems, he/she
will prescribe a treatment plan for you that may include dietary plans
and other recommended dental products. However, if your dentist thinks
that your bad breath is a cause of an underlying condition, he/she will
likely refer you to a physician.
Bad Breath Prevention
As they say, prevention is always better than cure. If you want to have
a lifetime of minty-fresh breath, the key is to be diligent in your oral
hygiene routine and make better lifestyle choices. Remember, bad breath
can be just a symptom of poor health.
Helpful tips to prevent bad breath:
-
Watch what you eat- When you digest, these foods enter your bloodstream and are expelled
through your lungs. Opt for a high-fiber diet and avoid extreme fasting
or low-carb diets.
-
Drink plenty of water- Water can help wash away the harmful bacteria and debris from your teeth
if you haven’t brushed yet. Staying hydrated can also help with
dry mouth.
-
Quit smoking- Aside from the strong odor of cigarettes, smoking can also cause varied
dental and gum diseases that can contribute to bad breath.
-
Cut back on coffee- Coffee has a tough odor than can be hard to get rid of. If you need the
caffeine, opt for green or black tea instead.
If bad breath is continuously making you feel down, just keep in mind that
this is just like any other medical condition that requires your special
attention. Halitosis is a treatable condition. As long as you follow your
doctor’s advice and be mindful of your life choices, your bad breath
will sooner become good.
This article contains general information about medical conditions and
treatments. The information is not advice and should not be treated as
such. The information is not intended to replace the advice or diagnosis
of a physician.
If you have any specific questions about any medical matter you should
consult your doctor or other professional healthcare providers.