Bad breath or halitosis is a common problem that affects every 1 in 4 persons globally. Bad breath is the third most common disease after swollen or bleeding gums and tooth decay. Problems such as halitosis can cause psychological stress as it is most commonly associated with poor oral hygiene.

The good news is that halitosis is not permanent and can be cured by improving your dental care. Home remedies can also be effective in getting rid of bad breath. If none of these things works, visit the doctor to understand the cause of the problem.

The Symptoms or Bad Breath Vary From Person to Person

Some may experience a pungent door when they wake up in the morning; this is referred to as “morning breath”; morning breath can easily be eliminated by brushing, flossing and using mouthwash. However, the odor that stays throughout the day even when you have brushed and flossed is, halitosis.

Many of the causes of bad breath are oral or dental, but, in some cases, the problem may go further than that. Persistent bad breath that does not respond to oral hygiene changes is often caused by rarer problems such as bowel obstruction or even chronic kidney failure. Top 5 of the most common problems that cause bad breath are

Nose And Throat Infections

The common cold, whooping cough and other infections that target the upper respiratory system can be the cause of halitosis. The mucus and phlegm can cause bad breath, other than that in some cases bacteria covered stones form in tonsils which often lead to a bad odor in the mouth. Inflamed sinuses and a sore throat may also be the cause of bad breath. This is short-lived and will go away when you get well. However, it is best to maintain a healthy dental hygiene throughout this time.

Cigarettes

Cigarettes are the cause of many chronic illnesses and may even lead to cancer. People who smoke often experience bad breath that indicates the use of tobacco. Smoking can cause gum diseases such as gingivitis, which causes extreme bad breath.

Food Decay

Our teeth accumulate particles of the food we eat; even regular brushing does not reach some areas of the mouth which causes the food to stay there and rot. This leads to halitosis and can be cured by flossing and brushing your teeth after each meal. Flossing can make a huge difference in preventing the oral problem.

Diseases

Some diseases such as cancer, metabolic syndrome and liver failure can be the cause of a consistent odor. The chemical reactions in the body can lead to halitosis, and sometimes bad breath is a sign of larger health issues than just oral hygiene.

Medicines

Saliva is the body’s way of naturally cleaning the mouth. Some medicines cause the reduction of saliva, leading to a dry mouth. Patients undergoing treatments such as chemotherapy and nitrate treatments often experience halitosis.

Halitosis: Bottom Line

A healthy dental hygiene and regular visits to your dentist can help the occurrence of halitosis. If you are experiencing bad breath, change your eating habits and dental routine. However, if the bad breath isn’t cured, visit a physician immediately.

Make the right decision and call the best orthodontist in NYC. Contact us at 646-760-8028 to schedule a consultation.