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BAD BREATH

 

Bad breath, medically known as halitosis, can be embarrassing and in some cases may even cause anxiety. If you’ve ever gotten that not-so-fresh feeling on a date, at a job interview or just talking with friends, you’re not alone.

Causes

Apart from the sulphur-producing bacteria that colonise the back of the tongue, the other major causes of halitosis are:

  • Dental factors – such as periodontitis (infection around the teeth) or poor oral hygiene

  • Dry mouth – caused by medicines, alcohol, stress or a medical condition

  • Smoking – this starves the mouth of oxygen.

 

Features of Halitosis

The features of halitosis can include:

  • A white coating on the tongue especially at the back of the tongue

  • Dry mouth

  • Build up around teeth

  • Post-nasal drip, or mucous

  • Morning bad breath and a burning tongue

  • Thick saliva and a constant need to clear your throat

  • Constant sour, bitter metallic taste

Prevention

Brush and Floss

Take Care of Your Tongue

Mouthwash

Clean Your Dentures

Keep That Saliva Flowing

Quit Smoking

Regularly Get a New Toothbrush

 

Treatment

There is no one treatment for halitosis. The treatment will depend on what is causing the problem. Avoiding dehydration and good oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing, are important. Some mouthwashes, lozenges and toothpastes can assist in fighting halitosis.

 

Keep the mouth moist by drinking water and chewing sugarless gum or sugar-free hard candy to stimulate the production of saliva. Eat a diet of foods that need to be thoroughly chewed to keep saliva flowing. Foods that require a lot of chewing, such as apples or carrots, are good options.

 

 

Culled from Staywellworld blog post dated February 07, 2018.

To learn more, click on 

https://www.staywellworld.org/post/2018/02/07/halitosis-bad-breath

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