BAD ODOUR IN BREATH – MAY BE THE TIP OF AN ICEBERG

 

Bad odour in the exhaled air may be a symptom of poor oral hygiene. Our mouth has many bacteria and food particles can remain lodged in between teeth and in pits and cavities. Our food has carbohydrate or sugar and when bacteria act on them and ferment them the form alcohol which contributes to the smell. So the best way of addressing this issue is better oral care, which can be done by:

• Brushing your teeth after you eat. Keep a toothbrush at work to use after eating.
• Flossing at least once a day.
• Brushing your tongue.
• Cleaning dentures or dental appliances.
• Avoiding dry mouth.
• Adjusting your diet.
• Avoiding gutka, tobacco and tobacco products
• Regularly getting a new toothbrush every 6 months
• Scheduling regular dental checkups.

 

Halitosis is a widespread condition, affecting approximately 1 out of 4 people around the globe. One research study, which combined the findings of 13 medical journal articles, found that halitosis affects about 31.8% of the population.

 

 

Everyone gets bad breath from time to time — especially after eating garlic, onions or other strong foods. But bad breath that doesn’t go away (chronic halitosis) could mean you have an oral health. However, bad breath or halitosis doesn’t necessary mean poor hygiene, but it could be the symptom of an untreated disease. The smell of your breath can tell you an awful lot about different health issues you might have and which type of doctor you should see. Be sure you go to a doctor or a dentist because a sinister villain may be lurking in your body.

 

These are the various reasons of bad breath

1. Acid Reflux or Heartburn – If your breath smells sour, then there is a condition associated with it – acid reflux. Antacids like Digene gel and H2 receptor antagonist (H2 blockers) like ranitidine are needed. Changing your diet and excluding trigger foods such as garlic, alcohol, hot and spicy food, and coffee may help.

 

2. Gum Disease – Rotting Teeth Smell If you have a rotten tooth, then your breath will certainly be letting you know that something is wrong. If this is the case, then you need to make an appointment with the dentist. Gingivitis and periodontitis are the two main conditions associated with rotting teeth and bad odor from your mouth.

 

3. Stomach Cancer – A metallic taste in your mouth with a similar breath odor is a typical sign of advanced stomach cancer. However, it must be noted that certain medications can sometimes give similar smelling breath.

 

4. Oral cancer – Cancers on tongue and alveolus have a very foul smelling breath – foetor, an offensive and unpleasant stench.

 

5. Diabetes – A fruity smell from your mouth wouldn’t be considered much of a problem if it weren’t for the fact that it’s a symptom of a much more serious issue. Such an odor only appears when a person is about to develop a diabetic ketoacidosis. Make an appointment with an endocrinologist if you notice that you have fruity breath.

 

6. Lung Cancer – Lung cancer is known to produce a certain odor in the breath that is often described as a rotting smell. Therefore, if your breath has changed and is smelling of something rotten, it’s time to visit the doctor.

 

7. Kidney Failure – If you have a fishy smell when you exhale then it might mean that you have kidney failure. If your face looks all puffed up and you have a fishy smell in your breath then putting off visiting the doctor is out of the question.

 

8. Lactose Intolerance – A sour milk smell is a definite sign of lactose intolerance, meaning your body can’t break down the protein in milk. Other symptoms include cramping and diarrhea.

 

9. Liver Failure – A sweet mold-like smell means that your liver is not working well. Another symptom of this condition is the yellowing of your skin, urine and the whites of your eyes. If you notice this, schedule an appointment with your doctor immediately.

 

10. Tonsil Stones – Tonsil stones accumulate in your throat on the tonsils, giving you breath that some people described as smelling like dirty diapers. One way to treat this condition is to visit a doctor – they’ll use a special medical instrument to get rid of the calcium and bacteria that has accumulated in your tonsils.

 

 

Prevention

When bad breath is because of oral issues then maintaining proper oral hygiene is the best way to keep your breath smelling clean and fresh. Here are some general guidelines:

·        Brush twice a day, for at least two minutes each time, and floss once a day. Remember to clean your tongue with your brush or a tongue scraper, which you can buy in the oral health aisle.

·        Use an alcohol-free antibacterial mouthwash.

·        See your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. For some people, this may be every six months. But others may need more frequent visits to keep their oral health in check.

·        Drink a lot of water to help prevent dry mouth.

·        Boost the production of saliva by using sugar-free chewing gum, sucking on sugar-free candy or eating healthy foods that require a lot of chewing. Your dentist might recommend or prescribe products that can produce artificial saliva or help your body produce saliva.

·        Avoid alcohol, caffeine and tobacco products because they can dry out your mouth.

 

 

Don’t rely on mints, mouthwashes and other products designed to fight bad breath. These are only temporary measures because they don't address the cause of the problem. Always visit your doctor or your dentist. Try making lifestyle changes, such as brushing your teeth and tongue after eating, using dental floss, and drinking plenty of water, but only after you have been assured that there is no disease causing this bad breath.