Bad Breath Causes and Misconceptions
Bad BreathAn undesirable mouth odor is embarrassing!
Bad breath or halitosis is a result of poor oral hygiene and unhealthy lifestyle. The food you eat is just one of the many contributing factors to it. In addition, it can also be a sign of a serious health problem.
Knowing about what causes bad breath is very important. Aside from this you should also be aware of the misconceptions about it. Understanding these will help you deal with this oral problem.
The Causes
Food
When teeth are not brushed or flossed thoroughly, some of the food particles remain in the mouth. These promote bacterial growth in-between teeth, around the gums, and on the tongue, which results to bad breath. Foods with strong odors such as garlic, onion, fish, and exotic spices, and cheese can also contribute greatly to this problem.
Smoking
Smoking or chewing tobacco-based products is another cause of bad mouth odor. It can also lead to teeth discoloration and gum irritation.
Dry Mouth
Saliva is an essential part of the digestive process. It also removes odor-causing bacteria in the mouth. Decreased flow of saliva can lead to dry mouth which is another cause of bad breath.
Dentures and Dental Devices
Loose-fitting dentures can cause sores and mouth infections that can result to bad breath. Another factor is the use of dental devices like braces. Food deposits that stay on the device can trigger bad mouth odor.
Health Problems
Bad breath can also be a result of a serious health problem. Anyone who suffers from it can have any of the following medical disorders:
· Periodontal or gum disease
· Respiratory tract infection
· Throat infection such as tonsillitis
· Chronic bronchitis
· Chronic sinusitis
· Diabetes
· Gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD)
· Kidney or liver disease
· Lactose intolerance
The Misconceptions
Misconception #1:Brushing your teeth can prevent you from having bad mouth odor.
Most people brush their teeth for only 30 to 45 seconds, which is not enough. This should be done for at least 2 minutes. Since brushing the teeth alone is not sufficient, you should also clean your cheeks, gums, and tongue because bacteria stay in these areas too.
Misconception #2:Using mouthwash can stop bad breath.
Using mouthwash is not a guarantee that you will be safe from undesirable mouth odor. Mouthwash only lessens or stops the foul odor temporarily. If you are going to use mouthwash, look for one with antiseptic; it kills germs that cause bad breath.
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