Overview
You're brushing twice, using mouthwash, carrying mint in bags and even then you are facing bad breath issues.
It sounds familiar to you. Bad breath,medically known as halitosis, affects a huge number of people and it is not a hygiene problem always, sometimes this is a sign through which your body is telling something else is going on, whether that's in your gums, your tongue, or even your stomach.
In this blog we will guide you about what is bad breath, reasons for bad breath, different types of bad breath smells, and how to get rid of bad breath permanently.
What is Bad Breath or Halitosis?
Bad Breath or Halitosis is a continued recurring unpleasant odour that comes from the mouth or sometimes from the digestive system.
Bad breath from the mouth usually originates in the oral cavity itself — from bacteria, decaying food particles, gum disease, or dry mouth. However, bad breath from the stomach or gut is also possible, and in those cases, the source is not oral at all.
What causes Bad Breath?
Bad breath can be caused by many factors. Below are some reasons for bad breath:
1. Poor Oral Hygiene
When you don’t brush or floss properly food particles left behind in your mouth, bacteria break these down and release foul-smelling sulphur compounds.
2. Gum Disease
Plaque buildup on your teeth causing gingivitis and bacteria settled down below the gumline releasing sour smell.
3. Dry Mouth
Saliva in the mouth acts as a cleansing agent, when its production drops due to certain medications or medical conditions, bacteria multiply rapidly and cause bad breath.
4. Smoking
Smoking changes the balance of bacteria in your mouth, causes problems like dry mouth and leads to bad breath.
5. What causes bad breath from the stomach?
Bad breath isn't always caused by the mouth. Acid reflux (GERD), H. pylori infections, and other gastrointestinal conditions can cause stomach gases to travel upward, resulting in a sour or rotten odour. So if even with practising good oral hygiene your bad breath persists then a stomach-related cause should be investigated by a doctor.
6. Kidney or Liver disease
Diseases of the liver and kidneys may prevent these organs from filtering toxins from your body as they normally do. The effects can take the form of halitosis.
Types of Bad Breath Smells
Bad breath can be due to many factors and below are types of bad breath smells:
a) Sulphur or rotten egg smell — this is occurred because of gum disease or due to not maintaining proper oral hygiene
b) Fruity or sweet smell — this is generally found in patients facing diabetic conditions
c) Sour or acidic smell — this is felt because of acid reflux and stomach issue
d) Faecal smell — caused due to gut health issue or bowel obstruction
e) Musty or fishy smell — caused by the liver or kidney conditions
Bad breath home remedies you can try
It is recommended you to visit your doctor for bad breath problem but below are some bad breath home remedies that can help you:
1. Brush and floss regularly along with practice tongue scrapping
2. Stay hydrated by drinking enough water throughout the day
3. Chewing fennel seed or cloves help you freshen up your breath
4. Using mouthwash only in appropriate quantity
5. Eating crunchy fruits and vegetables like carrot, apple clean food debris off your teeth
6. Chew sugar free gum as these increase saliva production
7. Avoid smoking as it can dry out your mouth
How to get rid of bad breath permanently?
Bad breath treatment totally depends on its underlying cause. If wondering how to avoid bad breath, below are some of its ways:
1. If it’s due to gum disease - then getting a professional teeth cleaning will help in removing the plaque.
2. If it’s a cavity or infection — The decayed or infected tooth will need to be dealt with, sometimes with a filling or root canal, to completely eliminate the source of bacteria.
3. If dry mouth is the problem— Your dentist can find out the cause and suggest the best options for stimulating saliva.
4.If it’s from the stomach– you may need to be evaluated for acid reflux or a gut-related cause, in addition to your dental treatment, in conjunction with a physician.
Your doctor after proper examination and finding the root cause of bad breath help you in solving the problem.
When should you see a dentist for bad breath?
If you are practising good oral hygiene and tried bad breath home remedies, even then your bad breath persists then you should not try to hide it by using new mouthwash.
In such conditions, only a dental checkup can help you to relieve persistent bad breath.
Conclusion
Bad breath is not a problem which should be hidden through a mask, when by maintaining proper oral hygiene bad breath persists then you should visit your doctor.
At Triveni Dental, we properly diagnose the bad breath problem and help you in getting rid of bad breath permanently.
FAQ
1. Can I cure my bad breath problem permanently?
In most of the cases yes, bad breath can be cured permanently by diagnosing the accurate cause like gum disease, cavities or gut related problems and then by adopting proper treatment plan for it.
2. How can I avoid bad breath?
You can avoid bad breath by brushing and flossing properly, staying hydrated, scraping your tongue, avoiding smoking and not ignoring bleeding gums.
3. Why do I still have bad breath even after brushing?
If you are having bad breath even after brushing, then it may be due to gut health, gum disease, dry mouth or other bad breath reason, don't ignore it and see your doctor.
4. How to eliminate bad breath from the stomach?
When your bad breath smells sour or acidic, it may be due to your stomach health and problems like acid reflux. Bad breath from the stomach can be eliminated completely after seeing the dentist and getting a proper treatment plan.
5. Which is the fastest bad breath remedy?
To get immediate relief, brush and floss regularly along with tongue scraping and chew sugar free gums. But to get rid of bad breath permanently, visit your dentist and get a proper treatment plan.
