Patients often ask their dentist about their bad breath and what they can do about it. Identifying possible causes can help you eradicate halitosis.
Many individuals ask their dentist about their chronic bad breath,
also referred to by its formal name of halitosis, and wonder what in the world they can do about it. Nothing's worse than knowing your breath smells horrible and seeing people you're talking to back up, make a face or cover their nose. Loved ones or young children may be honest and cut right to the chase, saying "Wow, you're breath smells terrible. What have you been eating?" While this may be a harsh reality check, it can lead a person to realize that he or she must do something about the problem. Because a dentist is an expert in oral healthcare, he or she is a good person to get advice from.
What did you eat? While foods aren't always the reason for the unpleasant odors coming from our mouths, they often are. Certain items like onions and garlic are known contributors to halitosis. These substances are used in an array of dishes such as spaghetti sauce, pizza, salami and much more. Why? Because they're tasty. If a person plans to indulge in these delectable products, it would be wise to plan ahead. If business associates are dining with you, notice what they're ordering to eat. If they eat these same garlicky foods, their breaths will also be odiferous so they probably won't care or notice about yours. If they opt for less fragrant menu items, it would be wise to follow suit.
Tobacco is also a common cause of bad breath. Cigarette smoking has a long list of detrimental side effects including cancer, emphysema, chronic bronchitis and immune suppression. Add halitosis to that list and, if you're a smoker, you'll understand a bit more about the odor. In fact, a smoker's hair, clothing and skin will also reek of the tobacco sticks. If a person loves his or her Marboros or Pall Malls, enjoying the smokes will come at a cost, financially and otherwise.
There are several health related issues that could be causing the smell including:
- Dental decay: Rotting teeth or oral structures will often smell bad. Frequent flossing and brushing will help, but once decay is in evidence, a dentist will need to step in and provide treatment.
- Gum disease: Gingivitis and bleeding gums will also present an unpleasant odor. Again, a DDS or periodontist will have to provide a remedy.
- Sinus infection: If a person is suffering from a sinus infection, he or she may not only feel awful, his or her mouth may be emitting odors. Seeing a doctor and getting it cleared up with antibiotics will help.
- Stomach problems: Intestinal distress or ulcers can lead to halitosis problems, too. If the DDS rules out dentistry issues, it's time to see an MD, especially if stomachaches have been occurring.
No one wants to have halitosis, including the patient and all people who come into contact with him or her. If a person suffers from this problem and it's not due to eating linguini with clam sauce or slices of garlic pizza, it would be wise to seek advice from the dentist.
