A person who struggles with persistent bad breath can be affected in many ways. The condition can indicate an illness, a malodorous mouth can severely hamper interactions with family, friends, or business associates, and the sufferer may have a nasty taste in their mouth. Most people agree that bad breath is no joke, but what can be done about it?
Bad breath, also known as halitosis, can be a difficult challenge, especially if it has been ongoing for some time. It can greatly affect a person's quality of life and how they feel about themselves. However, three major steps may help guard against unpleasant odors from the mouth and throat if regular attention is given to them.
A clean mouth is often key to a fresh-smelling one.
For someone with halitosis, it is important to schedule regular visits with a dental professional. Persistent mouth odor can be a sign of cavities, broken or infected teeth, a type of gum disease, or an abscess. A dentist can perform a thorough exam to discover any possible odor-causing problems and may be able to repair or remove them. If one of these problems is the cause, the odor may cease, but it could require a couple of visits or more to correct the issue.
A dentist may also notice if there are other health concerns such as acid reflux, inflamed tonsils, oral cancer, lesions, or other mouth sores that may require the attention of a physician. The dentist may refer a patient to the appropriate health care professional to further investigate the condition. Their primary care provider may perform tests to confirm halitosis as a temporary or chronic condition, detect specific compounds that cause bad breath, and make a diagnosis and treatment plan.
Sometimes a person's diet can cause odors not only in the mouth but also coming through the skin as the bloodstream absorbs the odors. Garlic and onions are commonly known as big bad-breath offenders, as these foods, particularly when eaten raw, emit chemicals that contain sulfur when a patient digests them. The chemicals go into the bloodstream and make their way to the lungs. The smell often lingers in the patient's mouth for hours or overnight, and the smell does not go away with consistent brushing.
However, other foods can also cause bad breath. For example, eggs and strong vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and asparagus can cause bad breath if eaten excessively. Bad breath can also be caused by dairy products (especially if they are not digesting properly or the patient is lactose intolerant), canned tuna, and horseradish. Cayenne, spicy curry, and the capsaicin in hot peppers can also cause odor in the breath. Minimizing or eliminating some of these foods from a diet can improve breath. Swishing and rinsing one's mouth with plain water after eating can also help eliminate food particles contributing to bad breath.
Additionally, smoking, coffee, and chewing tobacco can carry nasty odors on the breath, in addition to causing other health problems. In some cases, prescription or over-the-counter medications, such as decongestants or anti-depressants, can cause dry mouth, which leads to bad breath as a side effect. Dehydration can also encourage mouth odor, so if increasing fluid intake is not helping enough, it may help suck on sugarless candies or chew sugarless gum. Breathing through the patient's mouth instead of their nose and using a humidifier as they sleep can also be helpful.
People who suffer from persistent bad breath do not need to accept it as normal or something they must live with for the rest of their lives. Mouth odor does not need to be a constant companion to your daily routine. The problem can be curtailed with proper oral care, dietary changes, and, when necessary, medical attention.
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