Bad Breath

Bad breath is the condition where a person's breath smells bad and disturbing. Many situations such as certain foods consumed, stomach viruses, and insufficient oral hygiene can be the cause of bad breath. In most cases, ensuring oral and dental hygiene is sufficient to eliminate bad breath. Besides this, products like gum, mints, and mouthwash can also temporarily eliminate bad breath. However, if bad breath continues even though the person's oral hygiene is ensured, it is necessary to consult a dentist immediately. Specialist Dentist Emin Serhat Arıkan, serving patients in Adana, explained for you what bad breath is and how it is treated.

What Is Bad Breath (Halitosis)?

Bad breath is a health problem usually characterized by a bad smell coming from the person's breath, originating from bacteria located on the tongue surface or in the throat. Bacteria located in this region produce sulfur and break down proteins, secreting sulfur compounds from the back part of the tongue. This causes the person's breath to smell bad. The most important cause of bad breath is the insufficiency of oral hygiene. Brushing teeth regularly, using dental floss and antiseptic mouthwash can prevent bacteria from living and multiplying in the mouth, and in this way, bad breath can be prevented. Otherwise, bacteria not only cause bad breath but can also cause tooth decay and gum diseases.

What Are the Symptoms of Bad Breath (Halitosis)?

The most important symptom of bad breath is foul-smelling breath. This smell is intense and distinct enough for other people around you to notice.

What Causes Bad Breath (Halitosis)?

The most important reason for bad breath is the person not paying enough attention to oral hygiene. Brushing teeth, using antiseptic mouthwash and dental floss during the day allows you to prevent bad breath. Otherwise, bacteria settle in the mouth and multiply rapidly. This situation causes the person to experience bad breath. Besides this, it can cause cavities in teeth and gum diseases. Along with insufficient oral hygiene, stomach germs, tooth decay, reflux, dry mouth, gum diseases, tobacco products, bacteria living on the tongue and throat can also cause bad breath. If we need to list all these causes of bad breath:

• Dry mouth
• Gum disease
• Reflux
• Tonsil stones
• Head and neck cancers
• Diabetes
• Liver and kidney disease
• Sjögren's syndrome

How Is Bad Breath (Halitosis) Diagnosed and Treated?

After a comprehensive dental examination, the dentist can diagnose bad breath and its cause. During this examination, the dentist investigates the patient's past medical diseases and chronic conditions and finalizes the diagnosis. If the dentist cannot detect the underlying cause of bad breath, they may refer the patient to another specialist. The method to be applied and steps to be taken in the treatment of bad breath are shaped according to the underlying causes of the problem. If bad breath has emerged due to insufficient oral hygiene, the problem can be eliminated with dental cleaning practices you can apply at home.

What Is Good for Bad Breath?

First, it is necessary to prevent dry mouth. For this, consuming plenty of water, carefully cleaning the surface of the tongue, and brushing teeth twice a day help you eliminate bad breath. Besides this, lemon water can be drunk; consuming parsley, fruits, and vegetables, and drinking green tea also facilitate your struggle with bad breath. If we need to list the practices that will be good for bad breath:

• Consuming plenty of water
• Brushing your teeth at least twice a day and for at least two minutes
• Using dental floss
• Using antibacterial mouthwash
• Going to dentist check-ups in six-month periods
• Drinking lemon water
• Consuming vegetables and fruits such as carrots, parsley, apples
• Chewing sugar-free gum supports saliva secretion
• Staying away from alcoholic beverages, caffeine, and tobacco products
• Applying treatment for stomach germs in bad breath complaints caused by stomach germs

How Do the Foods We Consume Affect Bad Breath?

All foods we consume start to be broken down in our mouth. Along with this, they mix into our bloodstream and can be carried to the lungs via inhaled air. When we consume garlic, onion, and similar strong-smelling foods, it may be necessary to use tooth brushing, dental floss, and mouthwash to suppress this smell. If we need to list foods that can lead to bad breath:

• Cheese
• Pastrami
• Soda
• Orange juice
• Certain spices
• Onion
• Garlic etc.