Halitosis, better known as bad breath, is an annoying hygiene problem that no one wants to deal with, but one that many of us still experience from time to time. To understand what causes halitosis and how to get rid of bad breath, you must first of all know the main cause of this phenomenon.
There are many bacteria living in the human mouth, and the most common cause of unpleasant odor is food debris in the mouth, which contributes to the proliferation of such bacteria and, accordingly, the appearance of an unpleasant odor. There are often bits of food stuck between teeth and along the gum line that bacteria feed on. If you do not clean your mouth regularly, you will experience bad breath. Another common cause of bad odor is eating foods with strong odors, such as garlic, onions, and even alcoholic beverages. These foods lead to bad breath, and odors from some foods are absorbed in the intestines and enter the bloodstream, causing odors to be released through the lungs and into the exhaled air.
Find out how to get rid of bad breath by following these simple tips.
Brush your teeth regularly .
How to get rid of bad breath? For best results, brush your teeth at least twice a day with a toothbrush and at least once a day with dental floss. This will effectively remove food particles and bacteria that are lodged between your teeth and along the gum line.
Causes
Halitosis can be normal or pathological. In most people, it occurs after sleep in the morning, since during this time the number of pathogenic bacteria in the oral cavity increases. The pathological odor from the mouth is stronger, can persist throughout the day and does not go away after brushing the teeth, tongue and gums. There are many reasons that provoke the development of such a problem.
General diseases
Some diseases may be accompanied by bad breath, which is caused by an infectious nature or signals serious problems with the body. Diseases accompanied by halitosis:
- chronic tonsillitis (angina), inflammation of the adenoids, pharyngitis and obstructive bronchitis;
- disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, gastritis, ulcers, colitis and intestinal bacteriosis;
- terminal stage cancer;
- endocrine diseases that cause metabolic disorders.
Diseases are characterized by a putrid or sulfuric odor, but some diseases may have specific manifestations. For example, with diabetes mellitus, a person develops halitosis with the characteristic odor of acentone.
Pathological halitosis is caused by chronic diseases of the excretory and digestive systems: gastrointestinal tract, liver and kidneys. If this symptom is detected, you need to undergo diagnostics as soon as possible.
Violation of hygiene rules
Unpleasant sour breath in most cases is a consequence of poor oral hygiene.
It occurs against the background of the appearance of plaque on the teeth, mucous membranes of the inside of the cheeks and tongue. If you don’t brush your teeth before going to bed, food particles begin to rot and the number of pathogenic bacteria increases. Halitosis in the morning may be accompanied by dryness, since its secretion decreases at night, which is a favorable environment for the proliferation of microorganisms.
A typical cause of morning bad breath is poor brushing of teeth and failure to use mouthwash. If the odor persists even after cleaning your mouth, you should contact your dentist.
Food
Some foods cause bad breath, especially when consumed in the evening and neglected personal hygiene after that. Depending on metabolic processes, the duration of the smell may vary. The main foods that cause halitosis:
- onion and garlic;
- tobacco, coffee and alcoholic beverages;
- pickles, peppered and smoked products;
- fish;
- sweets, soda and baked goods.
Normally, the smell after consuming such products should go away on its own within 2-3 hours. If there are problems with the gastrointestinal tract or against the background of dental problems, halitosis can persist throughout the day.
Dental pathologies
Bad breath is a typical symptom of some dental pathologies. More often occurs against the background of the following pathologies:
- deep caries and non-carious formations;
- gingivitis;
- stomatitis;
- glossitis;
- tartar.
In advanced cases, tartar can cause the development of gingivitis.
Also, halitosis in the morning can appear due to prolonged wearing of dentures and orthodontic devices to form a correct bite and crowns. Read more about what causes an unpleasant odor under the crown of a tooth here. The smell increases with insufficient oral hygiene, especially with removable dentures.
If an unpleasant odor appears regularly when wearing dentures, and oral hygiene is carried out correctly, you should consult a dentist. The cause of this phenomenon may be poor-quality or worn-out orthodontic construction.
The role of heredity
Information about the location of teeth in the dentition, their density, shape, height, degree of enamel strength and its color is transmitted from parents to children. The genetic code encrypted in DNA has determined the individual characteristics of your dentofacial apparatus and will similarly determine the characteristics of your children’s teeth and gums. But one should not assume that genes are also to blame for the occurrence of caries - this is not so. Heredity has nothing to do with dental diseases, which is what caries is.
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How to detect the presence of halitosis
Diagnosing bad breath is complicated by the fact that it is a subjective symptom that can be perceived differently based on the strength of smell and minimal external manifestations. First, anamnesis is collected, during which the possible causes, chronic diseases, and lifestyle and nutritional characteristics are determined. After which an organoleptic examination is prescribed, during which the intensity and nature of the odor are assessed on a scale from 0 to 5. Before the procedure, preparation is required:
- Do not eat spicy, peppery or salty foods for 48 hours;
- 24 hours before the diagnosis, do not use mints, chewing gum, or mouthwash;
- Do not eat or smoke for 12 hours, drink only water.
During the examination, the condition of the mucous membranes of the tongue is also assessed, since the presence and color of plaque are often accompanying signs. For example, a brown coating on the tongue is a sign of bad habits and poor hygiene, while a white coating is a characteristic symptom of candidiasis. As part of the study, blood collection is often prescribed for analysis, and diagnostics are also carried out with a galimeter. This is a device that shows the content of hydrogen sulfide compounds during breathing.
Diagnosis of halitosis is a complex process. In addition to standard procedures, examinations by specialized specialists are prescribed and instrumental research techniques are used: ultrasound, X-ray or MRI.
Water and human dental health
The quality of the liquid we drink is an important factor that determines the health of teeth and other organs of our body. The adult human body consists of almost 70% water, and about 30% in bone tissue. The minerals it contains help compensate for the deficiency of certain microelements that are part of bone and soft tissue. When the quantity, quality and composition of water in the body changes, the most important processes are disrupted, including the absorption of nutrients necessary for the normal functioning of all systems.
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Treatment
Halitosis is not an independent disease, but a symptom, so to eliminate it, you must get rid of the cause of the unpleasant odor directly. In medicine, false and true halitosis are distinguished, therefore, before starting symptomatic or general therapy, a diagnosis is carried out. Depending on the cause, treatment tactics are selected, which include medications.
Stomatitis
This is a group of dental diseases accompanied by damage to the oral mucosa. It can be caused by many reasons, often occurring against the background of a bacterial, fungal or viral infection. The use of external agents is an important part of therapy, since it allows you to effectively destroy the source of pathology. Medications for stomatitis:
- Blue from stomatitis. An aqueous solution of methylene alcohol has a characteristic blue color. Acts as a powerful antiseptic that neutralizes most pathogenic organisms. It is not absorbed into the blood and is safe for children to take. Prescribed for external treatment of the oral cavity, duration of use is 3-7 days. May cause side effects from the genitourinary system; if they occur, the product should be discarded;
Cost – from 40 rubles.
- Fukortsin (Castellani liquid). Antiseptic agent of bright crimson color. Prescribed for infectious stomatitis, especially effective for fungal forms. Has a cauterizing effect and can lead to skin irritation. Not recommended during pregnancy and lactation. Fukortsin is applied to the affected areas with a cotton swab or stick up to 4 times a day. Price – from 22 rubles;
- Miramistin for stomatitis. A powerful antiseptic with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects. Active against bacteria, viruses and fungi. Not absorbed by the mucous membrane, suitable for children and pregnant women. Used to treat affected areas and rinse the mouth 2-4 times a day. Price – from 190 rubles.
The choice of drug for the treatment of stomatitis should be made only by a doctor based on diagnosis. During therapy, nutritional correction is prescribed to speed up the healing process of wounds and erosions.
You can get rid of the crimson tint of the skin after applying fucorcin with water with aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) dissolved in it.
Caries
The cause of caries of any degree is the active activity of bacteria, against the background of which the destruction of dental tissue occurs. That is why caries is always accompanied by an unpleasant odor. The disease can only be cured mechanically; initial caries can be eliminated using the following means:
- Fluoride varnish. Solution in the form of a transparent varnish for topical use. The active substance is sodium fluoride, which strengthens the enamel and reduces the risk of developing deep caries. It is used for both treatment and prevention of carious formations. It is not recommended to use for children under 6 years of age with increased tooth sensitivity. It is applied thinly to the surface of the teeth, after which you should not eat or brush your teeth for 12 hours;
Price – from 290 rubles
- Icon caries treatment method. A modern method of treating caries without using a drill. During the procedure, a special gel and infiltrate are applied, after which the enamel is polished. The technique stops the development of caries, reduces the risk of complications and eliminates halitosis. Price – from 1000 rubles per tooth.
Caries spreads quickly, gradually affecting all nearby elements of the dentition. If you notice the first signs of pathology, you should contact your dentist. For prevention, you should maintain oral hygiene and undergo regular dental checkups.
Glossitis
A group of inflammatory diseases of the tongue that occur due to injury or exposure to pathogenic microorganisms. In most cases, the unpleasant odor is caused by desquamative glossitis. It may be a symptom of a systemic disease, occurring in acute or chronic form. With glossitis, the color and structure of the plaque, as well as the nature of the lesion, are important. Medications for glossitis are aimed at reducing halitosis and eliminating external signs of the disease. Effective means:
- Solcoseryl. Gel for external use, made from the blood of calves. May have a characteristic meaty smell. The product improves metabolic processes and enhances the regeneration of affected tissues. Used for glossitis with severe erosions and wounds. It has no contraindications; it can be used with other medications. Apply a thin layer to the affected areas up to 3 times a day;
Price – from 330 rubles
- Vinizol. Available in aerosol form for external use. The active substance is vinylin (Shostakovich's balm). It has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and wound healing effects. May cause allergic reactions, requires caution during use. The course of treatment is 7-10 days with a frequency of up to 3 sprays per day. Almost never found on sale;
- Chlorhexidine. A popular antiseptic for external use in the oral cavity. It has an antimicrobial effect and does not affect viruses and fungi. For glossitis, it is prescribed for irrigation and rinsing up to 2-3 times a day. Rarely causes side effects, the drug is acceptable for use by children and pregnant women. Price – from 11 rubles.
Halitosis, when the tongue is inflamed, can have a very different odor, which is determined by the causative agent of the disease. Before starting treatment, it is important to undergo diagnostics to determine the nature of the pathology.
Treatment of glossitis in children is complicated by weak immunity and the need to monitor compliance with the treatment procedure. Therefore, over a long period of time, the disease can become chronic.
Gastritis and ulcer
The main cause of halitosis in gastritis and ulcers is an excessive amount of gastric juice, the release of which occurs regularly. The digestion process is disrupted and the number of pathogenic bacteria increases. Treatment of the disease is comprehensive, aimed at eliminating both the symptoms and the cause. Medicines for halitosis due to gastritis:
- Omeprazole. A drug aimed at normalizing the secretion of gastric juice. Available in the form of powder for infusion, tablets and capsules. The result after administration is observed within 2 hours, the course of treatment is prescribed for up to 2 weeks. Omeprazole is contraindicated in chronic liver and kidney diseases;
Price – from 95 rubles.
- Controll. A drug to reduce the secretion of hydrochloric acid in the stomach. Prescribed for peptic ulcers and gastritis. Does not affect gastrointestinal motility, the result is achieved 3-4 days after the start of treatment. The course of therapy is 4-8 weeks, the dosage depends on the severity of the disease. Not recommended for children with central nervous system pathologies. During pregnancy, the drug should be taken with caution. Price – from 350 rubles;
- Trichopolum. An antibacterial drug prescribed for gastritis and ulcers caused by pathogenic bacteria. Used as a supporting agent while taking antibiotics. Improves natural microflora, eliminates internal infections. It has many contraindications; the product should only be taken with a doctor’s prescription. It is not advisable to use Trichopolum during pregnancy. Price – from 100 rubles;
- Amoxicillin. Broad-spectrum antibiotic, available in tablet form. It is prescribed only for gastritis caused by Helicobacter pylori infection. During therapy, it is additionally recommended to take metronidazole, without which there is a risk of worsening the condition. Treatment is carried out in courses of up to 12 days, the dosage is selected individually. Price – from 40 rubles.
Halitosis with gastritis has a wave-like appearance. The disease occurs in relapses and often becomes chronic. An unpleasant odor is often accompanied by severe heartburn.
Halitosis with stomach lesions usually occurs in the evening and morning, as well as during prolonged hunger. Therefore, adherence to a therapeutic diet is an important part of therapy.
Colitis
This inflammatory disease of the large intestine, occurs in children and adults, is accompanied by indigestion, dysbacteriosis and severe abdominal pain. Unpleasant odor in colitis is one of the typical symptoms and can be eliminated with the following medications:
- Intestopan. Intestinal antiseptic, has a pronounced antimicrobial and antiprotozoal effect. It is used strictly under the supervision of a doctor, as it causes effects. In the acute form, the course of treatment is up to 1 month;
Price – from 100 rubles
- Sulgin. Antibacterial agent for the treatment of intestinal infections. Available in the form of tablets or capsules. Recommended for dysentery and E. coli. It is taken in a course of up to 7 days according to the scheme depending on age. Contraindicated during pregnancy. Price – from 75 rubles;
- Phthalazol. An antimicrobial drug for the treatment of intestinal infections based on sulfonamide. It is absorbed very slowly by the body and can accumulate in the large intestine. It has contraindications and is not recommended for use during pregnancy. It is taken according to the scheme depending on the severity of manifestations and age. Price – from 20 rubles;
- Lactobacterin. The powder for creating a solution contains live lactobacilli that improve intestinal function. Normalizes digestion and strengthens the immune system. Suitable for children and pregnant women, prescribed as prenatal preparation. The dosage and course of treatment depends on age. Has no contraindications. Price – from 37 rubles.
Colitis is often a sign of a dangerous intestinal infection and causes hospitalization for further diagnosis. Halitosis due to this disease can persist for up to several months even after complete recovery.
Folk remedies
In addition to traditional medicine, folk remedies are also used to eliminate bad breath. They are effective only for false halitosis and are not able to cope with the main cause of the pathology. They are used to reduce symptoms, strengthen the immune system, or as a temporary measure. Popular folk methods:
- Infusion of mint leaves. 1 tbsp. l. dry mint or lemon balm leaves, pour 200 ml of boiling water, let it brew for an hour. After this, strain and take as a mouth rinse. Course of treatment – 2 weeks;
- Chamomile decoction. 2 tbsp. l. chamomile pour 500 ml of water, boil for 5-7 minutes, without bringing to a boil. Take as a drink before or after meals. The course of treatment is not limited;
- Oxalis tea. 3 tsp. Pour dry oxalis leaves with 2 cups of hot boiling water and let steep for 30 minutes. Strain before use and drink as a drink. The course of treatment is up to 2 weeks.
Medicinal herbs can cause an allergic reaction, rash and other complications. If side effects occur, you should abandon the method and consult your doctor.
Nutrition of the expectant mother and child’s dental health
The dentofacial apparatus, like all other organs, is laid down and formed during the prenatal period of development with only one difference: a child is born without teeth, but has both temporary and permanent rudiments that will grow at the right time. The quality of these “embryos” depends on nutrition and dental care during pregnancy, which only after a few years will begin to fully perform the functions assigned to them. Nutrient deficiency, a lack of foods rich in calcium, fluoride and magnesium in the diet of the expectant mother, is the shortest path to poor dental health in her child. In such cases, the baby most often experiences insufficient saturation of hard tissues with minerals, loose tooth enamel, “milk” caries and other pathologies.
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Prevention of bad breath
To prevent halitosis, you need to brush your teeth twice a day for 5 minutes. Your toothbrush needs to be changed every three months. It is changed ahead of schedule if a person has suffered an acute infection or inflammation of the oral cavity.
It is imperative to remove plaque not only from the teeth, but also from the tongue using the rough surface on the back of the toothbrush. Regular tongue cleaning removes up to 75% of sulfur compounds. After eating, you should rinse your mouth with water and mouthwash and clean the interdental spaces with dental floss.
To keep your breath fresh, it is recommended to follow the following diet:
- Eat more vegetables and fruits;
- Limit fatty and sweet foods;
- Don't eat protein before bed.
To quickly remove volatile substances from the body, drink at least 2 liters of water per day. To prevent halitosis, you should undergo professional cleaning twice a year, stop smoking and drinking alcohol, and treat all inflammations in the oral cavity in a timely manner.
