About halitosis and how it can be combated

One of the oral health problems that concerns many patients is halitosis (bad breath). Halitosis is the problem of having an unpleasant odor in the oral cavity and affects more than 30% of the population. After cavities and periodontitis, halitosis is the third most common reason why patients visit the dentist. But how do you fight bad breath?

What causes halitosis?

Causes of bad breath or halitosis may originate in the oral or extraoral cavity, i.e. occur elsewhere in the body.

1. Oral causes of halitosis:

Over 90% of halitosis originate in the oral cavity and more than half of them are closely linked to periodontal disease, with hygiene habits an important factor to consider. Here are some of the causes:

• Accumulation of food waste. Brushing your teeth is essential after every meal, as the leftover debris helps to build up bacteria on your teeth, tongue and mouth, causing bad breath.
• Periodontal diseases. Diseases such as gingivitis or periodontitis cause major halitosis problems.
• Dental abscesses. An infection of the teeth or gums can lead to a build-up of pus and therefore a bad smell.
• Dental caries. These tooth lesions are caused by the action of bacteria. Their accumulation leads to bad breath.
• Xerostomia (dry mouth). This condition is characterized by a decrease in saliva production, which causes dryness in the mouth, aiding the growth of bacteria.
• Inflammation of the pharynx. It occurs when an infection occurs in the pharynx, causing halitosis.

2. Extraoral causes of halitosis:

Although most causes of bad breath are to be found in the oral cavity, there may also be problems that are not related to the oral cavity, but to conditions or problems in other parts of the body.

• Digestive tract problems. If there is a bowel obstruction or a stomach infection, problems with bad breath are likely.
• Systemic diseases. Diabetes mellitus, lung, kidney or liver disease can lead to halitosis.
• Nose infections. A halitosis problem can also be a consequence of sinusitis or rhinitis.
• Unbalanced diets An unbalanced, low-carb diet can also cause halitosis. This is because a diet based on protein and fat produces ketones, which have a strong flavor.

Halitosis treatment to eliminate bad breath

Once the cause has been identified, the solution will be offered by your specialist dentist. Therefore, you should go for a dental consultation to make an assessment and apply the appropriate treatment.

At Life Dental Spa we have a team of professionals who will help you take care of your oral health at any time. In addition, in this article we will reveal some tips to prevent bad breath and prevent it from being a problem in your life:

• O good oral hygiene is essential. Brushing, flossing and mouthwashing should be part of your daily routine.
• Balanced diet. Yes, a balanced diet prevents tooth decay or other dental diseases. However, we cannot forget that some products such as coffee, alcohol or high-fat foods increase your chances of suffering from halitosis.
• Get proper treatment for dental disease. In the previous paragraphs we mentioned that some dental diseases cause bad breath, so it's important to treat them early.
• Pay extra attention to oral hygiene by using tongue scrapers. The tongue contains bacteria and careful brushing can reduce halitosis. People who have a tongue with significant bacterial growth (for example, from smoking or dry mouth) may benefit from using a tongue scraper. Or opt for a toothbrush that has a built-in tongue cleaner.
• Hydrate properly and avoid dry mouth. To keep your mouth moist, avoid smoking and drink plenty of water - don't drink coffee, carbonated drinks or alcohol, as these can lead to a drier mouth.
• Buy a new toothbrush regularly. Change your toothbrush when it is worn out, every three to four months, and choose a toothbrush with soft bristles.
• Regular visits to the dentist. To take care of your oral health, do not hesitate to visit a specialized doctor. It is recommended that you visit your dentist at least once every six months.

We hope these tips will help you, and if you would like to know more, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are at your disposal, we will assess your case and help you. You can forget bad breath forever!