Bad Breath
Anyone with persistent halitosis is going to grapple with thoughts of alienation, embarrassment and even shame.
There is no doubt that halitosis can range from the barely noticeable to the barely sufferable. In extreme cases, bad breath can even smell like urine or fecal matter, sulfur or even decomposition.
Halitosis can have a myriad of causes that are both innocuous and easy to deal with and more serious with significant attention required to address the problem. Scientists believe that bad breath can most often be traced back to bacteria deposited in the mouth and on the tongue. If it’s not removed promptly a foul stench can result because our warm, wet mouths are a prime breeding ground for bacteria that can number in the millions. Similarly there are foods, medications and medical conditions that can also contribute to the occurrence of halitosis.
At the low end of the severity spectrum, are sufferers of what is commonly called ‘morning breath’ and others who experience bad breath from specific types of food and drink. Morning breath occurs because the mouth does not typically produce as much saliva during sleep and this may cause the mouth to dry out and be unable to flush away bacteria. In other cases, the types of food a person eats – well-known culprits include onions, garlic and coffee – can be a significant contributor. High protein diets and those that lack sufficient fiber can also be a problem. Cigarettes are still another frequent contributor to this type of bad breath. With each condition, halitosis can be easily controlled with regular brushing and flossing of teeth, proper hydration and perhaps a mint or mouthwash.
But there is no adequate amount of mints or mouthwash that will solve a problem that has a dental or medical condition at its root. While bad breath can have many causes, factors directly related to the health of a person’s mouth are in extreme abundance.
One of the most common causes of bad breath is poor dental hygiene. When regular brushing and flossing are not priorities, bits of food can get stuck and rot between teeth and plaque build up can cause gum disease – in both situations the person is a strong candidate for halitosis. An infection in the mouth is another frequent contributor to bad breath where swollen gums and sores or abscesses can emit a noticeable odor. Other causal factors include alcoholism, salivary gland problems, untreated diabetes, kidney problems, sinus problems and liver disease can also result in chronic bad breath. In these cases, serious considerations must be made and, most likely, medical/dental attention sought.
If the occurrence of bad breath is long and persistent, it could be a growing dental condition that should be addressed before it worsens and becomes a significant medical ordeal. In many cases, halitosis could even be a first indicator that a serious medical condition is present.