If you brush your teeth regularly and floss, use mouthwash, don’t chew gum and avoid foods that give off bad odors, such as garlic or onions, but still have halitosis (bad breath), there could be an underlying cause. Constant halitosis isn’t just embarrassing, but it may be a sign of other health problems.구취원인
Most halitosis is caused by odor-producing bacteria in the mouth. When these bacteria break down, they release volatile sulfuric compounds that cause the odor. Over 500 different types of bacteria live in the mouth, and many of them are on the tongue or in the crevices between the teeth. Certain foods, such as garlic and onions, can also cause halitosis, as can alcoholic beverages and smoking.
The mouth is warm and moist, ideal conditions for breeding bacteria that cause halitosis. Some disease processes, such as some cancers, can also cause distinctive odors. Disorders that affect how the body metabolizes food can also lead to halitosis, such as hypermethioninemia, which causes a condition known as “boiled cabbage breath” due to a buildup of the amino acid methionine.
Another cause of halitosis is dry mouth, which can occur as a side effect from some medications, such as antidepressants and diuretics. Certain diseases, such as diabetes and liver disease, can also cause a distinct odor, as can uncontrolled blood sugar, which produces ketones that smell fruity or like nail polish.
Drink water to keep your mouth moist, but avoid drinking juice or soda, which can actually make dry mouth worse. Gargling a mixture of water and salt can also help. Start with 1/4 teaspoon of salt dissolved in 8 ounces of warm water and swish around your mouth for 30 seconds, then spit it out. Repeat as needed.
If you have persistent halitosis, talk to your dentist and your primary care doctor to find out if there’s an underlying cause. Your dentist can test your halitosis by smelling your breath or asking you to breathe into a device that detects odor-producing compounds. If necessary, your dentist can refer you to a gastroenterologist or pulmonologist for further testing.
If you are self-conscious about your halitosis, don’t worry. Bad breath is not a serious medical problem and can usually be easily treated. Your dentist can provide you with tips and techniques to help improve your halitosis, such as using mouthwash, eating fresh fruits and vegetables and eliminating sugary drinks from your diet. You can also try a breath mint, chewing gum or a clove of raw, crushed garlic. A specialized mouthwash called Xylitol can also help freshen your breath and reduce the growth of odor-producing bacteria in the mouth. You should also stop smoking or chewing tobacco-based products and ask your dentist for advice on quitting these habits. Finally, if you have a health condition that causes halitosis, your dentist and primary care doctor can treat the underlying cause and thereby help relieve your halitosis.