Diagnosing and Treating Halitosis
What is it?
In layman’s language Halitosis is nothing but “bad breath”. If you were to look at what it is and why some people tend to suffer more from this problem than others, then there are a few things that cause such a problem:
Bad oral hygiene
Several food particles which remain on the surface of your tongue, gums, and teeth. Oral decay produces a sulfur compound which causes this odor.
Some uncommon causes are:
- Anyone suffering from kidney failures, medical conditions such as liver failures or diabetes tend to develop bad breath.
- Another major contributor is the use of tobacco or those experiencing dry mouth (Xerostomia).
While most people are able to tackle bad breath by brushing frequently and using a good mouthwash, it is said that over 75 million people around the world suffer from chronic halitosis.
Diagnosis:
It is necessary to visit a dentist regularly so that you can catch such problems early on and treat them effectively.
Remedies:
The treatment for such a condition can vary depending on the severity of the infection. While different dentists prefer to use varying methods, what is typically done is to suggest a better oral hygiene regimen.
- Brushing your teeth regularly, especially after every meal is highly recommended and can bring down the bad breath largely.
If there is a reason to believe that the odor is as a result of plaque build-up, then a medicated mouth rinse and antibacterial toothpaste can take care of your problem. - Gum diseases are a major cause of bad breath. If you suffer from gum disease, then the gums may be pulled away from your teeth. In such cases, professional cleaning may be the only way to remove bacteria. Further, depending on the damage, dentists may suggest teeth restorations as well.
What to do at home to avoid halitosis:
One of the best ways to combat this problem is to ensure you floss your teeth, brush and clean your tongue regularly. Most people tend to forget their tongue while they keep their teeth and gums clean. Since we chew food in our mouth, several bacteria which are present on our tongue needs to be cleaned as well.
Water is one of the best ways to keep your digestive system working in a perfect condition. Drinking large amounts of water will prevent the dry mouth syndrome by stimulating saliva.
