BAD BREATH


Bad breath (halitosis) is a common problem which often comes from the activity of bacteria in the mouth. Although there is no way of knowing for sure, most adults probably suffer from bad breath occasionally, with perhaps a quarter suffering on a regular basis. 


IS BAD BREATH ALWAYS TREATABLE?
In the past, bad breath was often considered to be an incurable affliction. However, in recent years it has become increasingly evident that bad breath is usually treatable once a proper diagnosis is made.


WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I HAVE BAD BREATH?
If you have reason to believe that there is a problem, then see the dentist first, since bad breath often comes from the mouth itself.

If the dentist knows the consultation is about bad breath, you may be asked not to eat, drink, smoke, chew gum, suck confectionary, use mouthwashes, breath fresheners etc, so that the odour will be more typical. You should also avoid using perfumed cosmetic products, such as perfume, aftershave and scented lipstick prior to the appointment, since it can interfere with the odour assessment.

Problem Possible cause or source of malodour
Odour after fasting, dieting, sleeping, taking medications, prolonged speaking, exercise dryness in the mouth, insufficient saliva flow
Gums bleed and/or smell gum problems, poor cleaning between teeth
Odour upon talking postnasal drip on back on tongue
Odour upon onset of menstrual cycle swelling of gums
Small whitish stones with foul odour appear on tongue, for example following coughing tonsoliths from crypts in tonsils
Odour appears suddenly from mouth of young children onset of throat infection
Odour appears suddenly from nose of young children foreign body placed in nose
Odour appears suddenly from entire body of young children foreign body placed in nose
Taste or smell of rotten fish trimethylaminuria (rare)
Odour in denture wearers dentures kept in mouth at night or not cleaned properly
Odour from nose sinusitis, polyps, dryness, foreign body, hindered air or mucus flow
Bad taste all day long poor oral hygiene, gum disease, excessive bacterial activity on tongue

 

WHERE DOES THE ODOUR COME FROM?
Most cases of bad breath appear to be due to the breakdown of proteins by a variety of micro organisms. Several of the breakdown products are foul smelling gases.

In people with healthy teeth and gums, the odour usually comes from the far back region of the tongue, and grows stronger when the patient starts talking. 


If the back of the tongue is the problem, then the dentist can recommend a method of cleaning the area with a specially designed tongue scraper (in some countries, tongue cleaning is a common and ancient practice.). Several types of tongue cleaners are now available in the UK. It takes time and patience to overcome the gagging reflex, but eventually tongue cleaning becomes easy. Care should be taken to clean the back of the tongue thoroughly yet gently, without inflicting pain or sores.


CAN GUM DISEASE CAUSE BAD BREATH?
In some people, bad breath is associated with gum disease. Your dentist /hygienist can help prevent and treat gum disease in various ways, depending on the type and extent of the problem, but your own daily home care makes all the difference in the world in maintaining gum health between appointments. Cleaning of the spaces between the teeth is of great importance.  

WHAT CAN I DO?
In all probability, professional diagnosis and treatment can help eliminate bad breath. 

Listed below are some of the Do's and Don'ts regarding bad breath. Remember, bad breath is a problem that needs professional attention. Don't mask it - deal with it.


DO'S:

  • Visit your dentist regularly
  • Have your teeth cleaned periodically by a dental professional
  • Floss or otherwise clean between your teeth, as recommended by your dentist. Choose unscented floss so that you can detect those areas between your teeth that give off odours, and clean them more carefully.
  • Brush your teeth and gums properly.
  • Ask your dentist to recommend a tongue cleaner. Clean your tongue all the way back gently, but thoroughly.
  • Drink plenty of liquids, but not too much coffee.
  • Chew sugar-free gum, especially if your mouth feels dry. Chewing parsley, mint cloves or fennel seeds may also help.
  • Clean your mouth after eating or drinking milk products, fish and meat.
  • Unless your dentist advises otherwise, soak dentures overnight in antiseptic solution to prevent odour build up.
  • Get control over the problem. Ask a family member to tell you whenever you have bad breath.
  • If someone in your family or a close friend has bad breath, find a kind way to let them know. If you can't tell them directly, leave this fact file lying around. They may get the message.
  • Ask you dentist to recommend a mouthwash which has been shown to be clinically effective in fighting bad breath. Use it most effectively right before sleeping.
  • Eat fresh, fibrous vegetables such as carrots.

DON'TS:

  • Don't let your concern about having bad breath ruin your life. Don't be passive.
  • Don't be depressed. Get help. Don't ignore your gums - you can lose your teeth as well as smell bad.
  • Don't drink too much coffee - it may make the situation worse.
  • Don't forget to clean behind the back teeth in each row.
  • Don't brush your tongue with a regular toothpaste - it's better to dip your toothbrush in mouthwash for tongue cleaning.
  • Don't run to the gastroenterologist for concerns of having bad breath - it usually comes from the mouth and almost never from the stomach.
  • Don't give mouthwash to very young children, as they can swallow it.
  • Don't clean your tongue so hard that it hurts.
  • Don't rely on mouthwash alone - practice complete oral hygiene.