Unpleasant-smelling breath is more than a small nuisance as it can affect one’s social life. The first step towards solving this problem is to find out the causes of bad breath (or halitosis).
Causes of Bad Breath
- Localized dental problems, such as infection, ill-fitting dental fillings or dentures;
- Periodontal or gum disease;
- Consumption of certain foods – e.g. garlic, durians, etc;
- Poor oral hygiene – caused by food particles between the teeth, on the tongue and around the gums which collect bacteria;
- Dry mouth condition (xerostomia) which can occur due to hormonal changes (e.g., menopause) or due to certain medications;
- Smoking;
- Other medical conditions, such as digestive system problems, diabetes, ear or nose infections, Sjogren’s Syndrome or some forms of cancer.
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day, making sure that the gum and tongue areas are cleaned,
- Floss at the end of the day,
- Make regular visits to the dentist, i.e. at least twice yearly, to ensure that any potential problems are detected early and treated.
When to Seek Dental Help
You should see your dentist when the bad breath persists despite your best efforts at maintaining good dental hygiene.
With a proper examination, your dentist should be able to trace the possible causes of the bad breath and give you the best treatment options. You may also be referred to the appropriate medical specialist, if it is determined that the source of the halitosis is non-dental.
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