Bad breath, technically known as halitosis, is one of the oral health problems that affects and concerns a large number of people.
It is an unpleasant condition that can make the person suffering from it feel uncomfortable and may even affect their social relationships.
There are many ways to combat bad breath; we’ll examine the causes and treatments for halitosis.
What is halitosis?
Halitosis, or bad breath, refers to the unpleasant odors produced in the mouth.
Bad breath—whether it comes from the mouth or when exhaling through the nose— is generally caused by bacteria in the mouth and on the surface of the tongue.
When these bacteria decompose, they produce a number of compounds that give off an unpleasant odor.
Depending on its cause, there are two types of halitosis:
- Oral halitosis originates in the oral cavity itself as a result of bacterial breakdown, although it can also arise from other causes, such as dental caries, periodontal problems, and smoking, among others. In most cases—about 90%—halitosis has an intraoral origin.
- Extraoral halitosis, which accounts for about 90% of cases, is when bad breath originates outside the oral cavity. The main causes of extraoral halitosis usually result from nasal conditions (sinusitis), digestive disorders, respiratory diseases, and systemic diseases.
Tips for Preventing Halitosis or Bad Breath
As we can see, there are different types of halitosis, and depending on the causes, it can be treated with a specific treatment. Below, we offer some very effective tips for treating bad breath that you can put into practice on a regular basis:
BRUSHING YOUR TEETH PROPERLY
Ideally, you should to brush your teeth three times a day, after meals, and for brushing to be effective, we should do it for at least two minutes. And remember, brushing at night is the most important, since this helps fight bacteria in the mouth overnight.
DON’T FORGET TO CLEAN YOUR TONGUE
To combat bad breath and maintain optimal oral health, it is very important to clean your tongue. This removes bacterial plaque or biofilm that accumulates between the taste buds and the folds of the tongue. It is recommended to use a tongue scraper or gently brush the surface of the tongue.
USE DENTAL FLOSS
We also shouldn’t forget to include flossing in our oral hygiene routine. Flossing helps us remove food particlesthat are harder to reach and that may not be completely removed during brushing.
THE MOUTHWASH SUPPLEMENT
Complete your oral hygiene routine with mouthwash—it will leave your mouth completely clean and keep your breath fresh.
DRINK PLENTY OF WATER
Staying hydrated is vital for overall health. But hydration also helps combat dryness and a lack of saliva, which in turn helps prevent bad breath caused by these conditions.
AVOID TOBACCO AND ALCOHOL
Both tobacco and alcohol are harmful to our health and cause bad breath. Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption are very effective solutions.
EAT FRESH FRUIT AND VEGETABLES
To combat bad breath, it is recommended to eat foods that promote saliva production, such as fresh fruit and crunchy vegetables—like apples, celery, and carrots—which help remove food particles that accumulate between the teeth. Sugar-free candies and gum also offer these benefits.
VISIT THE DENTIST AT LEAST ONCE A YEAR
See your dentist regularly to prevent any type of oral disease, and if you have halitosis, your dentist can provide you with more specific instructions on how to treat bad breath.
