How Common Is Bad Breath? Halitosis is a common oral health issue that affects everyone at some time in their lives, but there are also individuals who have chronic halitosis. Having a foul odor from the mouth can lead to embarrassment, and it can also make the food or beverages that you consume taste awful. Approximately 25% of adults have a major problem with halitosis, and many of the individuals with the condition seek professional help for the problem. When you have halitosis frequently, you should visit an orthodontist to learn more about the causes & treatments for the condition.
The Causes & Treatments For Bad Breath?
Cause 1: Having an Infection
Having an infection in the body can lead to a nasty odor from the mouth. Some of these infections can include:
- Tonsillitis
- Sinusitis
- Strep throat
- Influenza
- Sore throat
- Thrush
When you have an infection in the throat, nose or sinuses, it can take several weeks to overcome the problem, and in some cases, you will need prescription medication to eliminate the health problem.
Cause 2: Upset Stomach
If you have an upset stomach, then your gastrointestinal system will produce additional bile, leading to halitosis. An upset stomach can cause nausea, vomiting or diarrhea that leads to a foul odor emanating from the throat and into the mouth. You may have eaten something that was spoiled, or alternatively, you can have an illness that causes an upset stomach.
Cause 3: Smoking Cigarettes
When you smoke cigarettes, it causes a foul breath odor because the chemicals in tobacco change the natural condition of the mouth. The smoke from the cigarettes filters into your lungs, nose and sinuses, making your breath stink.
Cause 4: Inflammation inside the Mouth
An injury or inflammation inside your mouth can lead to halitosis. You may have inflammation in your mouth from a blister that occurs due to a virus, or you might have inflammation because your wisdom teeth are impacted.
Cause 5: Poor Food or Beverage Choices
There are several types of foods and beverages that can lead to bad breath, including:
- Garlic
- Asparagus
- Onions
- Cheese
- Eggs
- Milk
- Beer
- Seafood
You can avoid these foods and beverages, or alternatively, you can brush, floss and use mouthwash frequently.
There’s More…
Cause 6: Hormonal Changes
Hormonal changes can lead to having halitosis, and adolescents or pregnant women often have problems with a foul breath odor. Taking more time to care for the teeth and gums is essential when your hormones are changing.
Cause 7: Failing to Brush and Floss
When you fail to brush and floss your teeth several times a day, you can have a disgusting breath odor. The food particles and bacteria inside your mouth combine to create a rotting garbage smell. In addition to a buildup of plaque on your teeth, you can have oral health issues.
Cause 8: Tooth Decay or Gingivitis
If you aren’t flossing and brushing, then you are more likely to have decay in your teeth that causes halitosis, and you also risk having gingivitis. These problems require treatment with special cleanings and dental restorations.
Cause 9: Taking Medications
When you are taking medications, the tablets or liquids can have an unpleasant side effect that causes halitosis. If you notice this problem, then talk to your physician about changing your medications.
Cause 10: Lack of Saliva
Some individuals have a problem with a lack of saliva, leading to a dry mouth problem. If you have a dry mouth that you can’t overcome with additional hydration, then a dental care expert can prescribe mouth rinses or medications to help you.
Cause 11: Restrictive Diets
If you are on a low-calorie dietary plan, then you will begin to burn fat, and this leads to ketosis that causes halitosis. Some diets that require you to eat only meat or that recommend consuming large quantities of cabbage soup will also cause bad breath.
Treatments
Bacteria on the Tongue or the Palate
While brushing your teeth, you may want to brush your mouth’s palate and tongue to remove food particles and bacteria. There are special plastic tongue scrapers that you can use to remove the film from your tongue. An oral irrigator that blasts pressurized water inside your mouth can also remove the bacteria and food debris.
Treatments for Bad Breath
Treatments for halitosis include daily oral hygiene with a clean toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste. You should brush several times a day along with flossing your teeth. It is important to rinse your mouth with mouthwash, and you should have your teeth cleaned professionally every six months.
Importance of Daily Hygiene with Braces
When you begin to wear braces, you will learn the best ways to care for your teeth and gums. Daily hygiene with braces may seem challenging, but with practice, you will learn how to use the dental floss around the wires and the brackets to remove food debris and bacteria. Make sure to use mouth rinses and toothpaste that don’t contain artificial dyes that can stain the metal or the ceramic materials of your braces.
An oral irrigator is a great device to use for additional oral care while you are wearing braces to straighten your teeth. If you are at school or work, then make sure to drink a lot of water after eating to remove any food particles from your mouth. Avoid eating sticky or hard foods that can damage your braces, but make sure to eat a well-rounded diet to keep your teeth and alveolar bones stronger.
A Complimentary Consultation Awaits
While you are undergoing orthodontic treatment, make sure to keep your appointments with our orthodontist. In addition to making sure that your braces are in good condition, our orthodontist can clean the brackets and the wires to prevent halitosis. If our orthodontist notices that there is a buildup of plaque on certain areas of your teeth or braces, then we can offer recommendations for better oral hygiene with braces. Contact Dr. Papandreas to arrange a Complimentary Consultation about braces.
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