If you were to list some of the top conversation killers, what would your answers be? Boring, shallow topics? An uninterested partner? A hostile environment? These are all pretty good reasons that would drive anyone out of a conversation. However, bad breath is the ultimate culprit in this category!
Imagine having a meeting with your boss, a first date with that person you’ve been chatting with online, or some quality time with your friend, and as soon as they open their mouth, you’re exposed to a smell so bad that even a raccoon would cover his nostrils. To be honest, no one would then blame you if you decide to quit work, dating, or friendships altogether.
Bad breath, medically known as Halitosis, hinders confidence and breeds daily struggles. It is the effect of several habitual behaviors or medical conditions. Nevertheless, it’s not only treatable but preventable. Keep reading to learn more about what causes bad breath and how to counter it.
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What Causes Bad Breath?
Halitosis is a widespread condition, affecting approximately 1 out of 4 people around the globe. One research study, which combined the findings of 13 medical journal articles, found that halitosis affects about 31.8% of the world’s population. This unpleasant condition is due to a wide range of causes. The main ones include:
Poor Oral Hygiene
This is the most common cause of bad breath around the world. Neglecting your teeth and gums by not brushing and flossing regularly causes food particles to remain stuck in your mouth between your teeth. These food particles eventually break down and create the perfect environment for bacteria to grow, leading to bad breath.
Dry Mouth
Saliva is a natural deterrent to bad breath; it cleanses the mouth and removes bacteria. Suffering from a dry mouth (xerostomia) means you’re not producing enough saliva, leaving bacteria to thrive like thieves in a lawless city. This condition naturally occurs during sleep and is
typically worse if your mouth is open; this is why you experience “morning breath”. Constant dry mouth can be caused by a problem with the glands that produce saliva and some diseases.
Certain Foods
Consuming delicious agents of bad breath, such as onions, garlic, or spices, causes temporary bad breath. These foods contain volatile compounds that can enter the bloodstream and travel to the lungs, where they are exhaled through the breath.
Mouth Infections
Surgical wounds left after procedures like tooth removal can harbor bacteria, leading to temporary bad breath. Additionally, tooth decay, gum disease, and even mouth sores like canker sores can trap food particles and bacteria, creating unpleasant odors.
Mouth, Nose, and Throat Conditions
Small stones forming in the tonsils, called tonsil stones or tonsilloliths, can harbor bacteria and emit unpleasant odors, causing bad breath. Similarly, persistent infections or swelling in the nose, sinuses, or throat can lead to postnasal drip – the draining of mucus down the back of your throat – contributing to bad breath.
Treatment and Prevention
Although halitosis can be disruptive, it’s not the end of the world. fortunately, treating and preventing bad breath doesn’t take more than simply dedicating some effort to your oral healthcare. A few measures you can take include:
● Maintaining good oral hygiene by brushing your teeth and gums two times a day for two minutes.
● Gently scraping or brushing your tongue to remove bacteria.
● Use an alcohol-free mouthwash to freshen your breath and battle bacteria.
● Getting regular dental checkups and cleanings helps in detecting underlying causes of halitosis such as gum disease or tooth decay.
● Drinking a lot of water during the day to stay hydrated and keep your mouth moist.
● Cleaning your dental appliances properly and making sure they don’t trap food particles Discolored teeth can be a thing of the past with the best teeth whitening in Dubai.
