Reasons for Bad Breath
Are you feeling a little ashamed of your bad breath?
Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is not only a related to oral health, but it also extends to other health issues. Learn the causes of bad breath, and what treatment is available at your dentist to get your teeth smelling as fresh as a daisy again!
Types of bad breath
Bad breath is not necessarily caused by poor oral health (although this is one common cause). If you’re experiencing bad breath, but you’re a stickler for oral hygiene, then there may be a deeper problem. Read on to find out about the different health issues that can contribute to bad breath, and about some health conditions that can be related to bad breath.
Gut Breath
Bad breath caused by the digestive system is generally attributed to an imbalance in the digestive system. The cause of this type of bad breath comes from air flowing from the stomach, and into the esophagus. Digestive issues that can cause bad breath include: bowel obstruction, bloating, gas, burping, or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.
Tonsil Breath
Bad breath caused by tonsils can be linked to tonsillitis. Located at the back of the throat, tonsils are the first line of defence against food, air and bacteria. However, when the tonsils become infected or inflamed, they can begin to produce an unpleasant odour. Symptoms such as bad breath, swollen lymph glands, sore throat, and yellow spots of pus on the tonsils should be assessed by a medical professional.
Lung Breath
Lung infections can be indicated by bad breath. Conditions such as bronchitis, pneumonia, emphysema and tuberculosis can reveal themselves through bad breath. The best solution for lung breath is to treat the infected lung. For asthma sufferers it may not be as simple, and only time will reduce the bad breath resulting from their asthma.
Diabetes Breath
Diabetes breath, also known as ‘Ketone breath’ is caused by the body burning fat to produce ketones. Diabetics suffer from low insulin production, which consequently forces the body to burn more fat.
If you’re diabetic, and suffer from bad breath that has a fishy undertone, we recommend that you consult your doctor. Diabetics with fishy breath may be experiencing chronic kidney failure.
Causes
If your bad breath does not come from underlying health issues, there may be a simpler reason for your bad breath. Let’s get into the nitty gritty, and isolate several causes of bad breath.
Bad Dental Hygiene
Bad breath caused by poor dental hygiene could come from tooth decay, gum disease or tooth removal. Consult a dental professional to treat your concern.
Food
When food breaks down in the mouth, it can increase bacteria levels and produce bad breath in the mouth. After digestion, the remnants travel to the lungs and produce bad breath. Foods such as garlic and onions are the worst offenders, so beware!
Tobacco
Tobacco unavoidably causes bad breath. The consumption of tobacco leads to dry mouth, producing bad breath and potentially leading to more severe afflictions such as gum disease.
By now you should have identified the probable cause of your bad breath. What’s next? Treatment time.
Treatment
Treatment may be as simple as brushing your teeth, but for others it may be more complex. Check out some of the treatment ideas for bad breath.
- Brush teeth 30 minutes after eating.
- Floss – everyday!
- Brush your tongue.
- Avoid dry mouth – stay hydrated, and avoid tobacco!
- Adjust diet – fruits and veggies are the way to go.
- Regular dental checkups – every six months will keep the bad breath away.
The best plan of action for treatment of bad breath is to consult a dental professional. Dentists will be able to isolate any dental issues, or suggest oral hygiene practices to improve the scent of your breath.
Karalee Family Dental is a trusted local practice located near North Ipswich. If you have any questions regarding oral health or bad breath treatment, contact us today.
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