Sterilization in Dentistry
February 11, 2024
Bad Breath / Halitosis
An unpleasant odour in exhaled breath is referred to as bad breath or halitosis. Halitosis is a social handicap. We live in close contact with people around usand bad breath can lead to such a fear where it can reduce our confidence in approaching others and this can interfere with our social life.
What is Halitosis ?
Halitosis is a common condition and may rise due to the buildup of bacterial load in the oral cavity or it can even indicate an existing abnormal condition in the body.
Bad breath can occur due to :
- Retention of food around the teeth: Food particles tend to stick around the teeth, gums, tongue and prosthesis. Decomposition of these particles by bacteria leads to bad breath
- Gum disease: Poor oral hygiene leads to gum inflammation known as gingivitis. Retention of blood clots from gingival bleeding promotes bad breath
- Cavity: Deep cavity on teeth serves as a food retention area and attracts bacteria leading to putrefaction of food, releasing gases causing halitosis.
- Mouth breathing: People often tend to breathe through their mouth when they have mal-aligned teeth. Mouth breathing dries up the oral cavity
- Poor maintenance of dental appliances: Failure to clean the dental appliances causes bad breath
- Smoker’s breath: Smokers and tobacco chewers exhale pungent odour of burnt tobacco
- Dehydration: Dry mouth due to decreased salivary flow can cause bad odour
- Tonsillitis, sinusitis, nasal discharge are often accompanied by foul smell
- Gastritis, chest burn, peptic ulcers, diabetes can produce pungent odour
- Drugs: Certain drugs have adverse effect on the oral cavity causing dry mouth and oral ulcers that can hamper the oral hygiene maintenance
How to prevent halitosis?
- Brushing your teeth and tongue and flossing in between the teeth
- Use of antibacterial mouthrinse
- Thorough rinsing of mouth after every meal or drink
- Replacing toothbrushes for better cleansing action
- Proper maintenance of dental appliances
- Reduce the consumption of food containing garlic and onion
- Stay hydrated
- Chew sugar-free chewing gums to accelerate the flow of saliva
- Quit smoking and other tobacco products to get a better smelling breath and good health
- Routine dental checkups with your dentist to eliminate the chances of tooth decay
- Get professional teeth cleaning every 6 months or annually
- Consult a physician if any medicine is causing dry mouth
- Your dentist can help you provide artificial saliva in case of extreme dry mouth and salivary gland disorder.
In case of any further queries, contact CureAlign Dentistry on +91-8431259096
