Finding the Cause of Bad Breath
While bad breath, known as halitosis, can be caused by many things, it is often a sign of a serious oral health or medical problem. For this reason, finding the cause of the odor is very important. At the dental office, we are a great resource to help you with this, because we can rule out mouth infections and other problems as the source of your odor. We also work closely with medical professionals to help patients find a solution when the odor source is not in the mouth.구취원인치료
The most common causes of bad breath are certain foods, especially garlic and onions, and a lack of proper oral hygiene. These odor-causing substances are absorbed into the bloodstream and carried to the lungs, where they release their smelly vapors. Brushing and flossing help reduce odors from these types of foods, but they will not completely eliminate them. Poor oral hygiene allows food to collect in the mouth, which becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and emits unpleasant odors.
Tobacco products (cigarettes, chewing tobacco and pipe) can also cause foul smelling breath. They are especially hard on the gums, causing gum disease, which can lead to more serious health problems. Bad breath caused by tobacco use can be difficult to overcome, but a visit to your dentist and some changes in diet can help.
Other common causes of bad breath are infections in the throat, nose and lungs; sinusitis; bronchitis; and diabetes. These infections can also give off a foul odor, as can some medications such as antihistamines, decongestants and diuretics.
Yeast infections can cause bad breath, as can some diseases of the liver and kidneys. These diseases can affect the amount of saliva produced, which contributes to halitosis.
When we can’t find a tooth or mouth-related cause of the odor, we often look at the patient’s overall health and lifestyle to see what other underlying problems may be contributing to their bad breath. Staying hydrated is important, as is eating foods that require a lot of chewing, such as carrots and apples. Taking special rinses and chewing gums that stimulate the production of saliva can also help, as well as limiting caffeine, alcohol and other acidic or sugary drinks. If these don’t help, your dentist may recommend artificial saliva products to keep the mouth moist.해우소한의원