What is the Cause of Bad Breath?
Cause of bad breath, or halitosis, can be embarrassing and even distressing. It can also be a signal that you may have an underlying health condition that needs to be addressed. In some cases, your dentist or a primary care physician can work together to help you resolve the issue and feel better.입냄새치료
Several things can cause bad breath, including smoking or using tobacco products such as chewing tobacco or snuff. A foul odor can also be caused by certain foods such as onions and garlic. These odors can remain in the mouth for up to 3 days. Poor dental hygiene can also contribute to odors, particularly when food particles remain between the teeth and on the tongue. Brushing twice a day, using floss or an interdental cleaner at least once per day and replacing your toothbrush every 2 to 3 months can help prevent odor-causing bacteria.
A sour or bitter taste in the mouth can be a sign of an infection in the gums, called periodontal disease. If you have this condition, your dentist can recommend treatments such as periodontal cleaning or a special deep clean with an instrument called a scaling and root planing. These procedures can remove the bacteria that cause odors and prevent it from returning.
Mouthwashes that contain antibacterial agents such as cetylpyridinium chloride (Cepacol), chlorhexidine (Peridex) or hydrogen peroxide can also reduce odor-causing bacteria. Using these rinses in conjunction with regular brushing and flossing can improve your oral health and freshen your breath.
Drinking plenty of water, especially at mealtimes, can help promote the flow of saliva, which helps wash away odor-causing particles. Chewing sugar-free gum or sucking on a mint can also stimulate the production of saliva. A dry mouth can also contribute to odor, as can certain medications such as antihistamines, decongestants, sedatives and diuretics. If you have this problem, your dentist can suggest over-the-counter or prescription mouthwashes to help moisturize the mouth and promote a good flow of saliva.
Keeping a log of the foods you eat and the beverages you drink can help your dentist determine if specific food or beverage choices are contributing to your halitosis. You should also make a list of any medications and supplements you take, as some of them can cause unpleasant mouth odors. If you have diabetes, a poorly controlled diet can lead to ketones, which can give your breath an unpleasant fruity or nail polish-like odor. Your dentist can also suggest dietary changes to help control your condition. If a health condition is causing your halitosis, your dentist or primary care physician can refer you to an oral medicine specialist to treat the underlying cause. This may include a dentist who specializes in salivary gland disorders or oral complications from cancer therapies. This type of specialist can also provide treatment for halitosis due to sinusitis, gastroenteritis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. He or she may recommend a mouth rinse to treat bacterial infections or a medicated toothpaste and mouthwash for more serious conditions.해우소한의원