Beware Bad Breath

For some of us, bad breath is a fleeting nuisance, nothing more.

However, this condition can be a chronic issue for others. Not only may bad breath signify underlying oral health issues, but this condition could impact our daily lives. People often suffer from social anxiety, low self-esteem and stress when they have chronic bad breath. 

Getting to the root cause of the problem is therefore extremely important. Before examining how to prevent bad mouth breath, it is first important to take a look at some of the reasons why this condition may be present. 

Bad Breath at a Glance

Common bad breath is often referred to as halitosis and is often linked with eating specific foods or failing to drink sufficient water. Fhronic bad breath may result from a handful of conditions such as:

• Smoking and/or drinking alcohol
• Oral health issues such as cavities and gum disease (periodontal disease)
• Infections or tooth abscesses
• Respiratory illnesses
• Systemic problems such as diabetes or liver disease

Bad breath can therefore be used as a precursor to indicate that another seemingly unrelated problem may be present. This is also why chronic halitosis should be diagnosed by a trained professional to rule out any other potential health issues. 

How to Treat Bad Breath

What helps with bad breath and are some treatment methods more effective than others? Let’s examine three approaches as well as when each one may be warranted. 

Lifestyle Changes

The good news is that in many cases, knowing how to prevent bad mouth breath will involve nothing more than modifying a handful of everyday habits. Of course, an accumulation of bacteria within the oral cavity is one of the most common causes. 

This is why it is important to brush and floss on a regular basis, preferably after each meal. It could also be wise to invest in a tongue scraper, as this clever device will help to remove any bacteria that may be present on the surface of your tongue. 

As mentioned earlier, tobacco products and alcohol are also common culprits that can contribute to halitosis. Abstain from cigarettes and try to minimise your consumption of alcohol. If you choose to have a drink, make it a point to consume plenty of water immediately after to avoid dry mouth. 

There are likewise a handful of all-natural treatments that may provide substantial benefits. Green tea, rinsing with a mouthwash containing essential oils and chewing on herbs such as mint could offer the sweet-smelling relief that you have been searching for.

Typical Dental Treatments

Let us now assume that the recommendations outlined above still leave much to be desired. What helps with bad breath if you choose to speak with a dentist? In this case, a handful of additional options are likely to be presented. We need to remember that chronic halitosis may indeed be a symptom of an underlying issue. This is why professionals could choose to perform treatments such as (3):

• Root planing and scaling (both intended to remove bacteria that remains trapped beneath the gum line).
• Debridement (a more in-depth technique to scrape away stubborn bacteria on the surface of your tongue)
• The administration of a prescription mouthwash

Note that the exact course of treatment will be determined on a case-by-case basis. You might also be asked to undergo an in-depth examination in order to detect the presence of other oral health issues. 

Additional Interventions

Interestingly enough, there can be times when halitosis is not directly caused by your oral health. One example involves the presence of gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD). Studies have shown that halitosis can often present itself as a concurrent symptom. 

If you suffer from regular bouts of heartburn or an upset stomach, it is wise to speak with a physician in order to determine if GERD is present. The same holds true in regard to other conditions such as bronchitis and adenoids that have become infected. Simply stated, it pays to obtain an expert diagnosis well in advance.

If you have been diagnosed with a more severe form of chronic halitosis, a treatment known as photodynamic therapy may be recommended. This non-invasive approach involves exposing certain areas of your mouth to laser beams and/or radio waves of certain frequencies. 

These forms of concentrated electromagnetic radiation can help to kill any bacteria (especially those associated with the production of sulphur compounds) that persist without damaging any soft tissues. 

When Should You Consult with a Dentist?

Acute (short-term) halitosis is normally no reason to become concerned. In this case, knowing how to prevent bad mouth breath is arguably the most powerful tool within your arsenal. There can nonetheless be times when this condition could hint at an underlying problem that has yet to be diagnosed by a professional. 

If you have followed the advice mentioned throughout this article and your bad breath persists, it is always prudent to schedule an appointment with your dentist. This is even more crucial if you have begun to notice other issues with your oral health such as sensitive teeth or bleeding gums. 

It is important to remember that bad breath is not only a physical problem. Halitosis can also impact your mental health as well as your ability to positively interact within social settings. 

Please feel free to bookmark this article for future reference as well as to perform even more online research. There is a wealth of information associated with the causes of bad breath as well as how this frustrating (and slightly embarrassing) situation can be resolved. 

Sources:

1. https://www.breathinstitute.co.uk/medical-library-bad-breath/physical-and-social-consequences/

2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bad-breath/symptoms-causes/syc-20350922

3. https://www.verywellhealth.com/how-to-get-rid-of-bad-breath-8417088

4. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/acid-reflux-and-bad-breath