Bad breath can be caused by dental habits and can also be an indicator of other health problems. Bad breath treatment depends on the root cause of the problem.
What Causes Bad Breath?
1- Daily brushing, flossing and mouthwash are extremely important for oral care. If the teeth are not brushed, flossed and mouthwash is not used, food residues may remain in the mouth. Food residues left between the teeth cause bacterial growth around the gums and tongue, and in this case, it causes bad breath.
2- Antibacterial mouthwashes can help reduce odor. In addition, dentures can also cause bad odor if bacteria and food residues that cause bad odor are not cleaned properly.
3- Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth can also be a sign of periodontal disease. Plaque buildup on the teeth and toxins that irritate the gums can cause gum disease.
4- If bad breath is caused by gum disease, it should be treated as soon as possible. Untreated gingival disorders can damage the teeth and jawbone.
Other Causes Of Bad Breath (halitosis) İnclude:
- Sinusitis
- Tonsillitis
- Alcohol use
- Nose and nasal cavity disorders
- Oral fungal infections
- Dental caries (cavities)
- Diseases of the stomach and intestinal systems
- prolonged hunger
- Cigarettes and tobacco products
- Dry mouth
- Diabetes
- Kidney ailments
How is Bad Breath (halıtos) Treated?
- Performing oral hygiene by connecting it to a daily routine ensures that your breath smells clean and fresh. You can use these rules to ensure oral hygiene:
- Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco products as they can dry out your mouth.
- Increase fruit and vegetable consumption. Apples, carrots, celery, and other hard fruits and vegetables help remove plaque and food particles that cause bad breath.
- Brush for at least two minutes twice a day, floss once a day. Tongue scraper is also effective in removing bacteria.
- Use an alcohol-free antibacterial mouthwash.
- See your dentist every six months for checkups and cleaning.
How is Bad Breath Treated?
1- The underlying cause of bad breath may be that oral hygiene is not fully provided. In this case, simple methods such as daily cleaning of the teeth in the best way, using dental floss and mouthwash may work.
2- Using fluoride toothpaste, teeth should be brushed for at least 2 minutes 3 times a day, food residues should be cleaned with dental floss after each meal, and antibacterial mouthwashes should be used if necessary.
3- In addition to dental care, you can also clean the bacteria accumulated on the tongue during the day with specially produced tongue cleaning brushes to clean the bacteria on the tongue. If you are using dentures, they should be removed at night and thoroughly cleaned before wearing them the next day.
4- If bad breath develops due to tooth decay or an infection in the gums, bad breath can be treated by the dentist by applying the most appropriate treatment methods. Tartar is another factor that causes bad breath and needs to be cleaned once a year. It is recommended that a healthy person have oral and dental examinations twice a year.
5- Less water consumption during the day is also among the factors that can cause bad breath. Drinking water stimulates saliva production, which helps flush bacteria out of the mouth. In addition, if the person is a smoker, it plays an important role in quitting smoking.