What is Bad Breath (Halitosis)?

Bad breath is an uncomfortable condition that develops due to different reasons. The reason for the smell in the mouth usually developing is due to the person’s inability to fully maintain oral hygiene. However, if there is a long-term and disturbing smell despite the provision of oral hygiene, a different disease may lie under it. It is physiologically normal to have an unpleasant smell, usually in the morning. You may encounter such a problem as a result of the fact that the food eaten or drunk in the evening enters between the teeth and accumulates on the tongue. This smell is not permanent. It will pass after oral care is done by brushing the teeth.

What causes bad breath?

Bad breath can be caused by dental health habits. It can also indicate other health problems. Bad breath also occurs according to the types of food you eat and other unhealthy habits. It is necessary to brush the teeth daily, floss and gargle.

Food particles cannot be cleaned on teeth that are not brushed, flossed, or gargled are not used. Food residues between the teeth cause the growth of bacteria around the gums and on the tongue. As a result, breathing smells bad. Antibacterial mouthwashes are effective in reducing odor. Dentures can also be susceptible to odor-causing bacteria.

Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth can be caused by gum (periodontal) disease. Plaque buildup on the teeth and toxins that irritate the gums are the main cause of gum disease. If bad breath is caused by gum disease, it will pass immediately with treatment. Untreated gum-related disorders may progress to the extent of damaging the tooth and jawbone.

Other Causes That Can Cause Bad Breath

• Intraoral fungal infections
• Dental caries (cavities)
• Sinusitis
• Tonsillitis
• Diabetes
• Kidney disorders
• Nose and nasal flesh disorders
• Diseases of the stomach and intestinal systems
• Long-term fasting
• Alcohol use
• Cigarettes and tobacco products
• Dry mouth

What is the treatment for halitosis?

For treatment, first of all, the underlying cause of bad breath should be determined. If the reason is the lack of oral hygiene, this problem can be eliminated by performing the daily cleaning of the teeth in the best way and by applying simple methods such as flossing and mouth washing. Teeth should be brushed 3 times a day and for at least 2 minutes using fluoride toothpaste. However, after each meal, the remnants of food between the teeth should be cleaned with dental floss.

If needed, antibacterial mouthwashes should be used. In addition to dental care, you can take advantage of tongue-cleaning brushes that are specially produced to remove bacteria on the tongue. In this way, you can remove the bacteria that accumulate on the tongue during the day. If you are using a prosthetic tooth, you should remove these teeth at night. You should also clean it thoroughly before hanging out the next day.

In addition, if the cause of bad breath is an underlying disease, treatment is planned to eliminate that disease. When the disease is treated, bad breath is completely eliminated.