What are the health problems associated with bad breath and how can it be prevented?

If you have bad breath (known as halitosis), you may not even know it. It’s true, bad breath is an oral problem that often cannot be noticed by patients themselves. All too often, you learn of your bad breath when you have a close friend or family member that makes a comment about it. Bad breath can be caused by a number of issues and it can also act as an indicator of other medical conditions. Just by seeing your dentist for regular dental check-ups, you can avoid health problems associated with bad breath.

Health issues that are often linked with bad breath:

• Gum disease– Gum disease most often develops from improper brushing. Food particles left between the teeth allow plaque build-up on the surface of the teeth and along the gum line. Over time, this can cause gum irritation and inflammation. The bacteria and food particles can lead to bad breath and change how one tastes other foods.
• Decayed teeth- Once teeth have become decayed; they can serve as a storehouse for food remnants. These areas become difficult to access with a toothbrush and eventually the food particles cause bacteria build-up and bad breath.
• Dry mouth- Dry mouth is also known as Xerostomia. Naturally, saliva flushes out the dead cells in our mouth. If saliva production is decreased, the natural flushing process is also decreased. Remaining dead cells undergo disintegration which can generate bad breath. Dry mouth can also be a sign of more serious health problems such as like salivary gland disorders. Certain medications or people who “mouth-breath” regularly can also experience dry mouth and bad breath.
• Respiratory tract infections– Individuals withinfections like sinusitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, or post-nasal drip can experience bad breath.
• Metabolic disorders- There are few metabolic disorders like gastro esophageal reflux (GER) that cause bad breath due to stomach regurgitation. Problems related to kidney and liver may also be the cause of foul odor.

If you have bad breath, you should not take the matter lightly. For treatment of halitosis, the underlying cause will first have to be determined. If a non-oral health problem is causing the issue, you can be referred to a general physician for treatment. If it is related to your oral health, your dentist can help you take steps to fresher breath and a healthy smile. Here are a few Preventative Care tips to keep in mind to help keep dental-related bad breath at bay.

1. Brushing – It is essential to brush your teeth twice daily, preferably with fluorinated toothpaste. Scrape your tongue with a scraper to remove all the food particles trapped on the surface. Be thorough.
2.  Flossing- Flossing is just as important as brushing. Daily flossing removes food debris stuck in between the teeth and areas that are inaccessible for the bristles of the toothbrush.
3. Mouthwash- Use of chlorhexidine mouthwash can be of great help for those with bad breath as the antibacterial action washes off the bacteria and there is a feeling of freshness in your breath.
4. Diet control- The types of food you eat can affect how your breath smells and the health of your teeth. A healthy diet is key to a healthy mouth.

To learn more about what is causing your bad breath, call (217) 717-4551 for an appointment with Dr. VanderMolen. The team at Advanced Dental Care will guide you to get the healthy mouth and gums you have been waiting for!

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