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Bad Breath ( Halitosis)
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Overview
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Whether you call it bad breath or halitosis, it’s an unpleasant condition that’s
cause for embarrassment. Some people with bad breath aren’t even aware there’s a
problem. If you’re concerned about bad breath, see your dentist. He or she can help
identify the cause and, if it’s due to an oral condition, develop a treatment plan
to help eliminate it.
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What you eat affects the air you exhale Certain foods, such as garlic and
onions, contribute to objectionable breath odor. Once the food is absorbed into
the bloodstream, it is transferred to the lungs, where it is expelled. Brushing,
flossing and mouthwash will only mask the odor temporarily. Odors continue until
the body eliminates the food. Dieters may develop unpleasant breath from infrequent
eating.
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If you don't brush and floss daily, particles of food remain in the mouth,
collecting bacteria, which can cause bad breath. Food that collects between the
teeth, on the tongue and around the gums can rot, leaving an unpleasant odor.
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Bad breath can also be caused by dry mouth (xerostomia)which occurs when
the flow of saliva decreases. Saliva is necessary to cleanse the mouth and remove
particles that may cause odor. Dry mouth may be caused by various medications, salivary
gland problems or continuously breathing through the mouth. If you suffer from dry
mouth, your dentist may prescribe anartificial saliva, or suggest using sugarless
candy and increasing your fluid intake.
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Tobacco products cause bad breath. If you use tobacco, ask your dentist for
tips on kicking the habit.
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Bad breath may be the sign of a medical disorder, such as a local infection
in the respiratory tract, chronic sinusitis, postnasal drip, chronic bronchitis,
diabetes, gastrointestinal disturbance, liver or kidney ailment. If your dentist
determines that your mouth is healthy, you may be referred to your family doctor
or a specialist to determine the cause of bad breath.
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Maintaining good oral health is essential to reducing bad breath. Schedule
regular dental visits for a professional cleaning and checkup. If you think you
have constant bad breath, keep a log of the foods you eat and make a list of medications
you take. Some medications may play a role in creating mouth odors. Let your dentist
know if you've had any surgery or illness since your last appointment.
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Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to remove food debris and plaque.
Brush your tongue, too. Once a day, use floss or an interdental cleaner to
clean between teeth.
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Mouthwashes are generally cosmetic and do not have a long-lasting effect
on bad breath. If you must constantly use a breath freshener to hide unpleasant
mouth odor, see your dentist. If you need extra help in controlling plaque, your
dentist may recommend using a special antimicrobial mouth rinse. A fluoride mouth
rinse, used along with brushing and flossing, can help prevent tooth decay.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
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What can I do about bad breath?
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Regular checkups will allow your dentist to detect any problems such as periodontal
(gum) disease, a dry mouth or other disorders that may be the cause. Maintaining
good oral hygiene, eliminating periodontal (gum) disease and scheduling regular
professional cleanings are essential to reducing bad breath.
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Regardless of what may be the cause, good oral hygiene is essential. Brush twice
a day and clean between your teeth daily with floss or interdental cleaners. Brush
your tongue, too. If you wear dentures, be sure to remove them at night and clean
them thoroughly before replacing them the next morning
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What is the treatment for bad breath?
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If your dentist determines that your mouth is healthy and that the odor is not of
oral origin, you may be referred to your family physician or to a specialist to
determine the cause of the odor and for treatment. Of course, if the odor is of
oral origin, as it is in the majority of cases, your dentist can treat the cause
of the problem.
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If the odor is due to periodontal (gum) disease, your general dentist can either
treat the disease or refer you to a periodontist, a specialist in treating gum tissues.
Periodontal (gum) disease can cause gum tissues to pull away from the teeth and
form pockets. When these pockets are deep, only a professional periodontal cleaning
can remove the bacteria and plaque that accumulate. Sometimes more extensive treatment
is necessary.
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If you have extensive build-up of plaque, an invisible layer of bacteria, your dentist
may recommend using a special antimicrobial mouthrinse. Your dentist may also recommend
that when you brush your teeth, you also brush your tongue to remove excess plaque.
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