It’s often said that a true friend will tell you if you have a bad breath. Bad breath can be embarrassing and can hold you back from truly enjoying your life and social situations to the fullest. And just like good friends, we at DENTAL LOUNGE will tell it to you straight. Read below to know more on how to detect and treat bad breath!!
DIAGNOSIS
The way to detect your bad breath is to know what types of gases are coming from your throat or mouth. At Dental Lounge we offer gas chromatography diagnoses as well as systemic and oral balance program to address the cause of your bad breath.
DID YOU KNOW THERE ARE DIFFERENT TYPES OF BAD BREATH?
1. Transient bad breath – this is the type that is caused by foods that release certain gases. Sulphur containing foods are the biggest culprits.
2. Disease associated bad breath – this is the type that comes from an imbalance or disorder in the body. There are many places in the body that bad breath can come from.
TRANSIENT BAD BREATH – that’s the type that comes from eating certain foods. The most common type of foods contains sulphur compounds. These create volatile sulphur compounds that can create bad breath (think onions garlic etc). This bad breath tends to come and go with the foods you eat.
DISEASE ASSOCIATED BAD BREATH:
· Bad breath in the MOUTH, - this is the most common type of bad breathe. It’s caused by dental diseases. It often originates from buildup of germs on gums and worst of all SULPHUR producing bacteria on the tongue and throat.
The major causes include,
a. Dry mouth
b. Breathing through mouth
c. Poor oral hygiene
d. Gum diseases
e. Medications
f. Coated tongue
· Bad breath from the NOSE can include post nasal drip, often associated by congested sinuses. This can include issues with swollen tonsils and tonsil stones. Sinus breath or lung breath which is more associated with serious disease like cystic fibrosis.
If you get congested sinuses, mouth breathe or snore during the evening, then this could be the source of bad breath.
Foreign objects in nose and infections of the nasal passage are other causes.
· GUT breath is often associated with digestive issues, which can cause gases to travel to the mouth. As you may have heard there are many digestive issues. In the gut – your digestive micro biome, or gut bacteria can emit gases that are detectable in the mouth.
If you suffer from
a. Reflux,
b. Poor Digestion,
c. Bloating,
d. Constipation or
e. Food intolerances it could be causing bad breath.
· METABOLISM – metabolic conditions like diabetes or liver issues can cause a sweet type of bad breath.
HOW TO GET RID OF BAD BREATH?
Treatment of bad breath can vary depending on it causes. If there is an underlying medical condition, your dentist will refer you to an appropriate doctor who will take care of it.
For causes related to oral health, your dentist will work with you to help you better control the condition. After undertaking the cause of your bad breath, you can begin taking the proper steps to help achieve fresher breath.
1. SCHEDULE REGUAR CHECK UPS WITH DENTIST. This point cannot be over-stressed. Regular checkups help you diagnose/detect diseases early hence leading to early intervention. Heard of the phrase – “Prevention Is Better Than Cure”
2. Proper Oral Hygiene
a. To minimize morning breath, brush before going to bed. Floss regularly and start your day with a mouthwash that kills bad breath bacteria/germs.
b. Floss daily to help prevent food particles from becoming trapped as well as build up of plaque. Also to clean tight spaces under the gum line where your toothbrush sometimes misses.
c Stay hydrated by drinking water throughout the day, limit caffeinated and alcoholic drinks , as well as sugary and acidic juices.
d. Give importance to cleaning of tongue. The coat on tongue if left uncleaned harbours bacteria that cause bad breath.
e. Use a mouthwash, which is designed to kill bad breath bacteria/germs as well as odour-causing compounds found in certain foods.
3. Home Remedies
a. Parsley: It’s known antiseptic qualities help in digestion and act as a natural mouth freshener. Chew on some leaves after every meal
b. Apple cider vinegar: Gargle with this very easy to make mouthwash. 1tsp apple cider vinegar + glass of water. Voila!! A homemade antibacterial mouthwash is ready!!
c. Citrus fruits: Not only do these fruits curb bad breath, it also increases saliva production,, helps fight cavities and may more…!!!
4. Lifestyle Changes
a. Regularly get a new toothbrush: change your toothbrush when it becomes frayed, about every 3-4 months. I know this sounds new and I have seen people using the same brush for even more than a year!!! There are many things we can have an emotional attachment to but TOOTHBRUSH isn’t on! You will be amazed at the amount of germs present in the tooth brush if you ever have it tested. So take my word and change that toothbrush every 3-4 months.
b. Balanced diet: food that contribute to bad health of your teeth need to be avoided. A diet low on refined and processed carbs, carbonated drinks and sticky candies is beneficial. Increase intake of fruits (NOT FRUIT JUICES) and salads.
c. Stay hydrated: Avoid dry mouth. Sip on plenty water through the day. By water I mean PLAIN WATER, not soda, not juices, not coffee. Plain water!!. For people suffering from chronic/long standing dry mouth, contact your dentist to prescribe you an artificial saliva preparation or meds that stimulate saliva production.
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