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Halitosis is the technical term for what is commonly
called bad breath. It affects roughly 25% of the U.S. population and it
has several causes. Rarely, problems in your nose, throat or lungs will
cause halitosis and stomach problems are almost never the cause. The vast
majority of bad breath originates from the mouth.
Certain types of bacteria (germs) in your mouth (everyone who has teeth
has bacteria in their mouths) called anaerobic bacteria cannot live in the
presence of oxygen. Because of this, these bacteria live in your mouth
where oxygen is absent - underneath your gums and especially in the
furrows of your tongue. They also digest proteins in your mouth from food
and body fluids to produce what are called volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs).
VSCs emit a foul odor often compared with rotten eggs or sulfur. When
anaerobic bacteria are allowed to multiply unchecked, halitosis becomes a
problem.
Situations that allow these germs to proliferate in your mouth include:
poor oral hygiene, decayed teeth, periodontal (gum) disease, dry mouth,
spicy foods and canker sores. For example, anaerobic bacteria like to hide
in decayed teeth where food can become caught. They are more active in a
dry mouth and they live in canker sores. The deep pockets under your gums
caused by periodontal disease are ideal places for these germs to thrive
and reproduce as are the furrows at the very back of your tongue. Spicy
foods add to your bad breath. Of course, if you are not cleaning your
mouth nightly with thorough flossing, brushing and tongue cleansing,
bacterial overgrowth is inevitable. There are factors that can predispose
you to these situations as well. Alcohol based mouthwashes and many
prescription or even over-the-counter medications can cause dry mouth as
may consumption of alcoholic beverages. Tobacco use is the #1 risk factor
for periodontal disease. Defective fillings can give halitosis causing
germs an oxygen free place to hide under. All these circumstances must be
addressed so that your halitosis can be brought under control.
First and foremost, oral hygiene must be established. After we give your
mouth a thorough cleaning, it is essential that you maintain this state of cleanliness at home. If you
have never cleaned your tongue regularly before, this step alone can
significantly reduce bad breath. Tongue cleansing should be performed
twice a day. Special tongue cleaners available at any drug store do this
job better than toothbrushes. Any decay or defective fillings in your
mouth must be eliminated. You should immediately discontinue using any
alcohol based mouthwash and reduce alcoholic beverage consumption. You
should use an alcohol-free, oxygenating mouthwash three times a day.
Tobacco use should be eliminated. Any medications you are taking that may
be causing you to have dry mouth should be discontinued or changed if at
all possible. Minimizing consumption of spicy foods can have the added
benefit of reducing the frequency with which you experience canker sores.
As stated previously, the germs that cause bad breath cannot stand oxygen.
If you use special mouthwashes and toothpastes that liberate oxygen in
your mouth, these germs will be further limited.
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