HALITOSIS OR BAD BREATH

   

          A Persistent, Unpleasant odour in exhaled breath is commonly called bad breath.  Halitosis is an oral health  problem where the main symptom is bad smelling breath.   

  

CAUSES :     

*Food often gets trapped between the teeth &along the gum line which then becomes a breeding ground for bacteria when this area isn't cleaned , bad breath occurs .Gum diseases & uncleaned tongue often lead to this.

*Eating food that has a strong odour such as garlic, onions .Alcohol, Tabaco and some other are absorbed by the body & enter the blood stream causing to breathe the odours through lungs.

*Dry mouth

*Bad breath can be a sign of a serious illness such as diabetes ,liver or kidney diseases.

TREATMENT:

*mouth rinses and toothpastes with anti-bacterial properties has been shown to reduce bad breath.

*gum disease can cause gums to pull away from your teeth leaving deep pockets that fill odor causing bacteria. In this case only professional cleaning removes bacteria.  

*brush your teeth twice daily and floss at least once.

*clean your tongue, use a brush that has a built in tongue cleaner.

*change the toothbrush every three to four months.

*dentures and  bridges should be cleaned at least once a day and dental retainers and mouth guard should be cleaned each time before use.

*drink plenty of water.

*avoid strong odor foods an also sugary food.

*schedule regular dental check ups twice a year to have your teeth or dentures examined and cleaned.

         Stay safe, Stay healthy

          Dr. Nividha Chhabra