Cause of Bad Breath
Cause of bad breath, also known as halitosis, is caused by an overgrowth of smelly bacteria that builds up in your mouth. This is usually the result of a poor dental hygiene routine. Brushing your teeth and flossing regularly removes the food particles that can cause odor and prevent gum disease. Using an alcohol-free mouthwash or rinses and a tongue scraper can help freshen your breath. Avoiding tobacco products such as cigarettes, pipes, snuff, chewing tobacco and nicotine patches will also improve your breath.구취원인
Other causes of halitosis include diet, respiratory infections such as sinusitis and bronchitis, and systemic problems such as diabetes, liver or kidney diseases, cancers and GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). These types of halitosis start in areas other than the mouth and can be difficult to determine. If you have chronic halitosis and have ruled out all the possible oral causes, you can ask your dentist or primary care doctor to evaluate your sinuses and nasal passages.
Your dentist or hygienist will clean your teeth and check for signs of periodontal (gum) disease. If a bad odor is found, the dentist can treat the problem and give you advice to prevent it from recurring. If the odor is not due to improper oral hygiene, your dentist may refer you to your family physician or a specialist for further evaluation and treatment.
A good diet and regular exercise will help keep your mouth healthy and your breath smelling fresh. Drink plenty of water throughout the day and avoid sugary foods and drinks. Use an alcohol-free mouthwash or rinses, and a tongue scraper to clean your teeth and the back of your throat. Avoid smoking and chewing tobacco, which can stain your teeth and cause gum disease. Changing these habits will dramatically improve your halitosis.
Some people are afraid of having bad breath, even though their halitosis is not caused by anything in their mouth. This condition is called pseudo-halitosis and can be very distressing. Reassurance from your dentist and a psychiatrist or therapist who has experience treating this problem can be helpful. For more information on pseudo-halitosis, you can read the article on our blog about this topic here. If you have any questions about how to manage your halitosis or would like to schedule an appointment with our practice, please contact us. We look forward to seeing you soon!해우소한의원