Dr. Madhuri (BDS)
Published on - 20 Nov 2023
Have you ever let worries about your breath stop you from starting a conversation, leaning in for a close discussion, or even from sharing a warm smile? Do you find yourself chewing gum and popping mints all the time to cover up a problem that has been bothering you for far too long? Experiencing morning breath is entirely natural, but if you've nodded in agreement to all these questions, it might be time to dive deeper into the underlying causes of this concern.
Frequently referred to as "foul breath," halitosis is a persistent condition that predominantly impacts the oral cavity and is primarily triggered by the presence of bacteria and volatile sulphur compounds emanating from residual food particles. This is a common complaint that can be voiced by individuals of all ages and genders.
Types -
Understanding the different types is crucial for tackling it effectively.
- 1. Morning Breath (Physiological Halitosis): We've all experienced this one – it's what you might call "morning breath." It happens when your mouth becomes a bit of a bacteria party overnight due to reduced saliva flow. The good news is that this type of bad breath is typically short-lived and easily kept in check with proper oral .
- 2. Persistent Bad Breath (Pathological Halitosis): This one is more serious and tends to stick around. It's often caused by underlying health issues within your body. Dealing with this type of bad breath means identifying and addressing the root problem.
- 3. Imagined Bad Breath (Psychological Halitosis): Sometimes, you might think your breath is bad when, in reality, it's perfectly fine. This perception can arise from various sources, like feeling overly self-conscious or anxious about how your breath smells. Professional guidance can help in these cases.
Why does it happen?
Oral conditions -
- Gingivitis
- Periodontitiss
- Xerostomia
- Dry socket
- Abscess
- Ulcers
- Odontogenic Infections
- Poor oral hygiene
Systemic conditions -
- Respiratory tract infection
- Tonsillitis
- Sinusitis
- Gastrointestinal diseaset
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Liver failure
- Kidney failure
- Diabetes
- Leukaemia
- Acute fever
Medicines-
- Dimethyl sulfoxide
- Disulphiram
- Phenothiazines
- Amphetamines
- Paraldehyde
Are there any tests to find out?
- Organoleptic measurement
- Gas chromatography
- Sulphide monitoring
- BANA test etc...
Self-Care Options?
- Brushing twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste.
- Regular flossing.
- Scraping the tongue properly.
- Using antibacterial mouth rinsing agents with chlorhexidine, cetylpyridinium chloride and triclosan.
- Maintain dentures, retainers and mouthguards clean.
Treatment
To find a solution, it's essential to address the root cause of the issue. Therefore, it's advisable to seek the expertise of a physician or dentist who can accurately diagnose and treat the problem.
For example,
- Initial periodontal treatment includes scaling and root planing.
- Broad spectrum antibiotics in case of Pharyngitis
- Proton Pump Inhibitors in case of GERD
- Surgical management if needed - Tonsillectomy/Adenotonsillectomy, Liver/Kidney transplantation.
Dealing with ongoing bad breath can be really annoying, and it not only makes you feel uncomfortable but can also affect your relationships with people. The good news is that most cases of bad breath can be prevented and fixed with the right approach. The most important thing to do is talk to your dentist. They can give you personalized advice based on your specific situation, which is a crucial first step in finding a solution.
By making small changes to your daily habits and taking good care of your mouth, you can come out of this situation with fresher breath and a boost in your self-esteem. So, don't worry, bad breath happens, but you have the power to overcome it and enjoy a more confident and pleasant life.