Causing embarrassment and significant worry for some, bad breath is a real condition affecting an estimated 25 percent of individuals, as reported by Medical News Today. This is roughly 1 in 4 people on a global scale, and while multiple factors are at play, the most common source of bad breath boils down to oral hygiene. Thus, dentists continue to devote ample time to patient education, beginning with the medical name for bad breath—halitosis.
As mentioned, a key player in halitosis is oral hygiene. This is one reason why it’s important to commit to regular dental visits every six months. By doing so, individuals can avoid the long-term affects of plaque and bacteria and ultimately prevent the onset of cavities. Dental checkups also provide an opportunity for dentists to help patients identify other potential causes of their bad breath. Some of these are listed below.
Causes Of Bad Breath
Tobacco Products: while tobacco products hold a strong odor themselves, they also amplify the number of bacteria in the mouth, which may lead to periodontal gum disease and ultimately bad breath.
Dry Mouth: Saliva plays a critical role in washing away harmful bacteria that, when left in the mouth, causes a foul odor. Yet, when a patient has dry mouth, the lack of saliva flow often causes the person to develop bad breath.
Dental Hygiene: As the main cause of concern when it comes to bad breath, dental hygiene encompasses several factors, from brushing and flossing to responsible wearing and cleaning of dental appliances. As a rule, individuals should pay close attention to cleaning between teeth where plague and sticky bacteria settle. In turn, dentures, retainers and other appliances should be cleaned regularly to ensure that they do not hold bacteria.
Medications: Certain medications and prescription drugs reduce the amount of saliva, leading to dry mouth and finally bad breath. Yet, others produce an odor as they break down and produce chemicals in the process. Some of these include nitrate medications for angina, chemotherapy drugs, tranquilizers and even vitamin supplements.
You Can Beat Bad Breath!
The good news regarding bad breath is that you can beat it. Aside from stepping up your oral hygiene, dentists provide a variety of solutions and remedies to counteract the affects of halitosis. At Grateful Dental in Marietta, Dr. Leia Porcaro places an emphasis on preventative dentistry, and is equipped to provide expert insight into bad breath conditions. To schedule your appointment, call today!
