What is the Cause of Bad Breath?
When bad breath, or halitosis, is an ongoing problem, it can be difficult to find a treatment that works. The good news is that most cases of halitosis can be cured with simple oral hygiene measures and regular visits to the dentist.입냄새
Bad breath is a natural process that results when food is broken down by bacteria in the mouth. The bacteria produce foul-smelling waste products called volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) which linger in the mouth and give it that unpleasant smell. Brushing and flossing regularly, rinsing with an alcohol-free mouthwash after each meal, and using a tongue scraper can help reduce food odor and eliminate VSCs. Drinking plenty of water to keep the mouth moist can also improve halitosis by increasing saliva production which will wash away any lingering food particles.
Certain foods and drinks can contribute to a person’s halitosis, especially garlic, onions, fish, coffee and alcohol. The use of mints to mask a person’s halitosis can only do so much; they will often recur once the food is gone. A healthier diet containing fresh fruits and vegetables can also help a person’s halitosis.
If a person’s halitosis is caused by a health condition, the dentist or doctor will treat that health condition. For example, a person with chronic bad breath may have a gum disease, such as periodontal (gum) disease, which can be treated with antibiotics and a deep cleaning procedure known as scaling and root planing. Another cause of bad breath that can be easily treated is acid reflux from the stomach, which can be caused by a bowel disorder or constipation.
A person’s halitosis may also be the result of a sinus or nasal infection, such as a cold, or a chronic sinus infection that leads to postnasal drip. In these cases, a visit to the otolaryngologist (ENT) may be necessary for an evaluation of the sinuses and throat to determine what is causing the halitosis.
A person with persistent halitosis should make sure that they see their dentist and primary care physician for regular checkups and cleanings. These regular visits can enable the dentist or doctor to detect and treat any dental problems, such as gum disease, that could be contributing to a person’s halitosis. They will also ask a person about the foods they eat, the medications they take and may recommend that the person keep a diary of their halitosis to help them identify what might be causing it. They will then perform several tests, such as smelling the person’s breath or asking them to breathe into a specialized device to measure the levels of odor-causing gases, such as methyl sulfide or phenol, in their breath. This information will help the dentist or doctor find the source of the halitosis and provide a permanent solution. This may involve the dentist or doctor treating the underlying health condition, such as a sinus or nasal infection, and prescribing medications to control a chronic dry mouth, or to treat a snoring problem.해우소한의원