If there is bad breath. Chemical odor from the mouth. Where to sniff out the problem
Foods with odors can cause bad breath. Halitosis is the medical term for bad breath. Treatment for halitosis will depend on what is causing the bad breath. Treatment for bad breath is very simple. If bad breath persists, you should consult a doctor to determine the causes of bad breath and treatment. And treatment is necessary if the bad breath is constant and if you cannot determine the cause of this bad breath, consult a doctor to identify the cause of the bad breath and treatment. Smell from the mouth. Methods of treatment with folk remedies. The causes of bad breath can be divided into two groups: those associated with diseases of the oral cavity or those associated with diseases of the internal organs. Let us consider below not only all the possible causes of bad breath, but also methods of treating it.
Bad breath - causes and treatment
Bad breath can destroy any image, even a well-formed one. With the help of advice from professional doctors, we will help you, at a minimum, not attract the attention of others with your breathing.
Halitosis- a medical term for unpleasant odor from the mouth.
Morning bad breath is a purely physiological phenomenon and can be eliminated with an ordinary toothbrush. Additionally, certain foods such as garlic, onions or cabbage can also cause bad breath. All these manifestations relate to physiological odor from the mouth (halitosis (bad breath)). Eat less of these smelly foods.
However, more than a quarter of the entire world's population suffers from pathological halitosis (bad breath) (bad breath). In this case, neither tons of chewing gum, nor mountains of mint candies, nor newfangled mouth sprays help - the smell still remains unpleasant.
Bad breath can also be caused by advanced caries. A large number of anaerobic bacteria and food debris accumulate in carious cavities. These cavities are difficult to clean using conventional hygiene products, which makes the disease highly resistant. The same applies to periodontitis - microbes actively multiply under the gums, causing a sulfurous odor. In this case, even the blood and purulent inflammatory exudate located in the gum pockets smell unpleasant.
Wearing dentures can also lead to halitosis - firstly, the smell will be absorbed by the polymer base of the denture, and secondly, pieces of food can remain under the dentures and decompose there, emitting “odors”.
Another cause of halitosis is decreased saliva secretion and dry mouth syndrome. When saliva is not released quickly enough and in small quantities, the natural cleaning of the oral cavity from food debris is disrupted, favorable conditions are created for the proliferation of microorganisms, and local immunity is reduced.
Common causes of halitosis include mainly chronic diseases associated with the gastrointestinal tract, ENT diseases, metabolic disorders, hormonal disorders, etc. For example, in women, bad breath may appear during the onset of the menstrual cycle, which associated with increased estrogen levels. These hormones promote increased desquamation of the epithelium, including on the oral mucosa, and this is a favorite breeding ground for anaerobic microorganisms.
In many cases, halitosis should make the patient check his health - the smell also signals a more serious illness. Thus, in approximately 8% of cases, the cause of halitosis is pathology of the ENT organs. Chronic sinusitis, rhinitis, tonsillitis, nasal polyps often make themselves felt with an unpleasant odor.
Many people know that a consequence of diabetes mellitus is often the smell of acetone released when breathing. Dysfunction of the liver and gall bladder are also accompanied by a “pungent” heavy odor, and kidney failure is accompanied by a putrid “fishy” odor. So, before you run to the pharmacy for a new toothbrush and advertised toothpaste that kills germs outright, go to the doctor.
Food is also of great importance. For example, garlic and raw onions contain substances that belong to the group of sulfur compounds. They are able to be absorbed into the blood and then released through the lungs during breathing.
Alcohol, nicotine, coffee and some medications (antibiotics and sulfonamides, antidepressants, antihistamines and anti-inflammatory drugs) cause dry mouth and, as a result, lead to an unpleasant odor.
Stress, nervous tension, or excessive dieting and fasting also lead to halitosis. During fasting, a deficiency in the intake of proteins and fats is created in the body, and the utilization of endogenous reserves begins, which can also cause an unpleasant odor. It appears during a stressful situation and disappears after the cessation of emotional stress. Among the causes are impaired salivation and dry mouth.
Nowadays medicine uses effective methods for diagnosing halitosis. You can evaluate the intensity of an unpleasant odor using a special device - a halimeter. It is not only useful for diagnosis, but also allows you to evaluate how well the treatment is progressing.
To identify bacteria that cause halitosis, some dentists use microbiological tests, for example, analyzing the composition of dental plaque. Using a mirror, the back of the tongue is examined - it should be the same color as the oral mucosa. White, cream or brown color indicates glossitis. The condition of the patient’s teeth is also assessed for the quality of hygiene.
A consultation with an ENT doctor (for the presence of sinusitis and polyps) and a gastroenterologist is also necessary - he must exclude systemic diseases such as diabetes, liver and kidney failure.
Treatment for halitosis will depend on what caused the disease. If these are advanced ENT diseases, then you will have to undergo treatment from an otolaryngologist. Other chronic diseases require consultation and treatment from appropriate specialists.
If the cause of the unpleasant odor lies in the oral cavity, then it is necessary to eliminate foci of infection, remove decayed teeth that cannot be restored, and undergo a course of professional oral hygiene with the removal of supragingival and subgingival dental plaque.
Any odor is a volatile compound. This problem is solved in different ways. People often try to mask the odor with mouthwash or chewing gum. But few people know that the effect of chewing gum is temporary and they have a detrimental effect on the gastrointestinal tract. As for rinses, they kill the natural flora of the oral cavity, and this can only increase the unpleasant odor. Today, CB12 anti-bad breath is the only product that completely neutralizes volatile compounds rather than masking them. With daily use of the product, fresh breath will become your constant companion. Unlike other rinses, it retains its effect for 12 hours, acts directly on the cause of the odor, without disturbing the normal flora in the mouth.
Compliance with hygiene rules is of great importance: teeth should be brushed using a toothbrush and floss (dental floss) to remove plaque and food debris from the teeth. And cleaning your tongue should become a mandatory daily procedure. This not only helps eliminate odor, but also reduces the total number of bacteria in the oral cavity, which has a beneficial effect on the health of periodontal tissue. If periodontitis has already been diagnosed, it is worth starting to use special oral irrigators to more effectively remove infected masses and food debris from the periodontal pockets. In addition, these irrigators will help get rid of dry mouth.
Don’t forget about proper nutrition: an excess of fast carbohydrates (sugar and processed foods) increases the amount of plaque on the teeth and leads to caries. Eat more fiber. Fresh greens, vegetables and fruits will help normalize intestinal function and reduce bad breath.
Checking your breathing
In order to determine the freshness of your breath, just bring your palm to your face in such a way as to simultaneously cover your mouth and nose. After this, exhale deeply through your mouth. Did you smell it? If you can’t clearly determine what and how much it smells, buy a disposable mask at the pharmacy and breathe into it for a minute. The smell under the mask will exactly match the smell that others smell from you during communication.
Today, specialized breath indicators are produced that can determine the level of freshness on a five-point scale. The manufacturers of this device claim that its use is a sign of good manners. In fact, it is easier to talk about the smell with your loved ones, ideally with your child, because children are less diplomatic in these matters and will tell the whole truth.
In medical institutions they use a more complex device - a gas analyzer. With its help, you can determine the chemical composition of the air that is exhaled and, based on the analysis, determine the causes of the bad odor.
Why is my breath bad?
The main causes of halitosis (bad breath) are:
- insufficient level of hygiene;
- diseases of teeth and gums;
- xerostomia - insufficient level of hydration of the oral mucosa;
- inflammatory processes in the oral cavity.
In these cases, the cause of the foul odor is bacteria accumulated in the mouth and residual food fragments. It is almost impossible to combat these phenomena at home. Such halitosis (bad breath) can only be cured in dental clinics.
But it is necessary to take into account that halitosis (bad breath) can be caused not only by diseases of the oral cavity.
In one case out of ten, the causes of odor are:
- ENT diseases: sore throats, sinusitis, runny nose;
- diseases of the intestines and stomach;
- lung diseases;
- endocrine system disorders;
- all kinds of diets;
- some medicines;
- smoking.
What does illness smell like?
The hydrogen sulfide smell is the smell of rotten eggs. The cause of the smell is the process of rotting protein substances. If the smell is accompanied by pain in the abdominal area after eating, belching and nausea, then it can be caused by gastritis with low acidity, peptic ulcer, diverticulosis of the stomach or esophagus, etc.
Very often, such an unpleasant odor can occur after a banal “holiday” overeating. In such cases, you can get rid of it with the help of absorbent substances (activated carbon, Smecta), as well as enzyme-based drugs (Festal, Pancreatin, Mezim, etc.).
A sour smell and taste in the mouth can be caused by: gastritis with high acidity, gastrointestinal ulcers, esophageal diseases.
The smell and taste of bitterness is a manifestation of diseases of the gallbladder and liver; this can also be indicated by a yellow coating on the tongue.
The smell of feces from the mouth can occur with dysbacteriosis, intestinal motor neuroses (dyskinesia) and intestinal obstruction.
The acetone smell with a sweet aftertaste can cause pancreatic diseases and diabetes.
The smell of urine from the mouth indicates kidney disease.
Treatment of bad breath (halitosis - bad breath)
First of all, try adding a tongue cleansing procedure to your daily twice-daily brushing of your teeth. It is better to do this in the evening using an ordinary teaspoon. Using light, gentle movements from root to tip, clean your tongue of daytime plaque. The procedure is not very pleasant, but effective.
Cleaning your tongue will rid you of bacteria, the population of which could increase significantly overnight in a favorable oral environment. Believe me, thanks to this evening procedure, your breath will be much fresher the next morning.
Clean the spaces between your teeth using a special floss. If you don’t have this tool at hand, use the old-fashioned method: tear off a strip of clean polyethylene, stretch it into a thread and remove food debris and plaque from the interdental space.
- After eating, be sure to rinse your mouth. You should not use tea for this purpose; it darkens tooth enamel.
Making your own mouth rinses
1. A tablespoon of mint, chamomile, sage or strawberry is poured into a glass of boiling water. After cooling, the broth is filtered. Use for rinsing after meals 3-4 times a day.
2. A tablespoon of oak bark is poured into 200 ml of boiling water and heated in a water bath for up to 30 minutes. Strain after cooling and rinse your mouth and throat. Oak bark has a strengthening effect on the gums and clears plaque from the tonsils, which can serve as sources of bad breath due to a large accumulation of infectious components.
An irrigator provides more effective cleaning of the oral cavity at home. This is a toothbrush-type tool that cleans the spaces between teeth using a strong jet of water, which massages the surface of the gums and activates blood circulation.
Choosing a toothpaste for bad breath
If you have halitosis (bad breath), you should choose a toothpaste that does not contain alcohol. Alcohol dries out the oral mucosa, which intensifies the odor.
In addition, pay attention to pastes that contain antibacterial agents based on chlorine compounds.
When choosing a rinse aid, the same principles are used as when choosing a toothpaste. In addition, modern mouthwashes may contain components (zinc- and choloro-containing) that reduce the activity of halitosis (bad breath) due to chemical reactions.
Quick effect of fresh breath
There are a large number of modern means of quickly getting rid of bad breath: aerosol fresheners, chewing gum, lollipops, etc. They are characterized by both rapid efficiency and low stability due to their short duration of action.
What to do when they are not at hand at the right time?
First of all, try drinking a cup of strong tea, then rinse your mouth and throat with clean water.
Apples and carrots will help get rid of the smell. The aroma of onions or garlic can be neutralized with parsley or celery root.
Chewing coffee beans can reduce the unpleasant smell and taste in your mouth.
People who have to talk a lot during the day often have bad breath. This is due to drying of the oral mucosa due to a decrease in the amount of saliva.
Saliva is a natural means of cleaning the oral cavity. Saliva contains the antibacterial enzyme lysozyme, which ensures the destruction of bacterial cells. In addition, saliva ensures the dissolution of food debris and toxins released by bacteria. Lack of saliva is one of the main reasons for increased bad breath.
In such situations, you should simply drink more often. A small amount of liquid will protect the oral cavity from drying out, remove the unpleasant taste and freshen your breath.
Include oatmeal porridge in your morning diet; this product significantly activates saliva production.
If there is no toothbrush nearby, you can wipe your teeth, gums and tongue with your finger. Thus, you will not only get rid of the unpleasant odor, but also massage your gums.
Use walnut pulp to rub your gums. In this way, you can provide the oral cavity with the necessary vitamins and freshen your breath with a pleasant nutty taste.
You need to understand that bad breath is a problem that interferes with your normal life. Halitosis (bad breath) is a direct threat not only to personal self-esteem, but also to a person’s social status. Communication, attractiveness and sexuality can be ruined in an instant by repulsive bad breath.
Halitosis (bad breath) is a problem that requires mandatory solutions. At the same time, we should not go to extremes; traditional methods of hygiene procedures are familiar to us from childhood, and they should not be neglected.
If the odor remains, even after daily oral hygiene, you need to contact your dentist. Nine times out of ten, your problem will be resolved within a few visits. If your mouth and teeth turn out to be healthy, and the smell continues to bother you, then you will have to look for the reasons inside the body.
Start visiting doctors with an ENT specialist. Diseases of the nose, throat and ear most often provoke problems with fresh breath. If no complaints are found from these bodies, then it’s time to visit a therapist. It is possible that the cause of the unpleasant odor is an exacerbation of a disease that has become chronic and to which you have long been accustomed.
Bad breath (halitosis) can “poison” a person’s normal life. It often becomes a problem in communication (especially intimate ones) and affects overall well-being (due to depression of mood associated with the problem). This phenomenon can be easily eliminated using simple methods if you know exactly the cause of the symptom. Considering that halitosis is rarely an independent manifestation (when consuming certain foods), but occurs as a syndrome of various diseases, elimination is possible only after determining the true cause. Masking a bad odor without eliminating the cause is ineffective and only works for a certain period of time.
If, with proper care, you are bothered by bad breath, you should pay attention to your health. An unpleasant odor can be a manifestation of many pathologies of internal organs and systems.
Causes of bad breath
Bad breath can have different causes, physiological or pathological.
Physiological can occur when:
- violation of hygiene measures;
- fasting or strict diets;
- bad habits (especially drinking alcohol and smoking);
- taking certain medications.
Eliminating bad breath of this nature is not difficult. It is enough to strengthen your oral hygiene and use camouflage products.
However, this symptom is not always harmless; there are diseases of the oral cavity, gastrointestinal tract, respiratory and endocrine systems that manifest themselves as halitosis.
Each disease has its own reflection; halitosis can have the following character:
- putrid (rotting);
- feces;
- acetone;
- sour;
- rotten eggs;
- ammonia;
- sweet.
Taking into account the assessment of the unpleasant odor, the doctor can determine the direction in which to look for the problem.
Types of halitosis
There are situations when an unpleasant odor is present only in the patient’s consciousness. Before you start looking for treatment options, you should make sure that the unpleasant syndrome is true. In medicine, the following types of halitosis are distinguished:
- true - perceptible to others;
- pseudohalitosis - insignificant, noticeable by strangers only upon close contact;
- halitophobia - people around do not notice the problems, and the patient is convinced of bad breath.
For pseudohalitosis, it is enough to clean the oral cavity more thoroughly or additionally add mouthwash to your daily care.
Putrefactive
A putrid odor from the mouth may indicate pathological processes in the oral cavity:
- stomatitis;
- caries;
- pathologies of the salivary glands;
- dental plaque;
- periodontal disease.
Respiratory system diseases:
- sinusitis;
- angina;
- inflammatory processes of the lungs;
- allergic rhinitis;
- bronchitis.
An equally common cause of putrid breath is diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, including the body’s reaction to alcohol intake and tobacco abuse.
Halitosis is a serious symptom that requires rapid elimination
Stool smell
The smell of feces will be caused by intestinal pathology: obstruction, constipation, impaired motor function. Anorexia is accompanied by processes of rotting and fermentation and is manifested by the smell of feces. Respiratory infections rarely produce a fecal odor.
Acetone
The most harmless process that causes the smell of acetone is indigestion, but other causes are a very alarming signal and often reflect damage to the pancreas (diabetes mellitus). Breathing acetone can also cause liver or kidney damage.
Diabetes
When there is a significant excess of blood sugar, a large number of ketone bodies (which have an odor similar to acetone) are formed in the body. The kidneys cannot cope with the load of removing excess sugar breakdown products and the lungs are involved in the process. Bad breath is caused by the release of ketone bodies through the respiratory system.
Advice. If you smell acetone from your family and friends, you should immediately hospitalize such people. The smell of acetone is a harbinger of diabetic coma.
Hyperthyroid crisis
In severe cases of hyperthyroidism (a condition accompanied by excess thyroid hormones), a serious complication may occur - a crisis. The smell of acetone from the mouth and urine, muscle weakness and tremors, a sharp drop in blood pressure accompanied by tachycardia, vomiting, and high body temperature are detected. All these signs require emergency hospitalization. Self-medication is impossible.
Kidney diseases
Violation of the excretory ability of the kidneys (acute renal failure, renal dystrophy, nephrosis) also has an acetone odor.
Important. When detecting an acetone tint in the breath, this is the basis for urgently seeking medical help. This symptom is not harmless and precedes serious conditions.
Sweet
Sweetish breath usually accompanies people suffering from diabetes or a deficiency of vitamins and nutrients in the body. Careful oral hygiene cannot eliminate the cause. Here you cannot do without full-fledged treatment.
Masking bad breath does not solve the problem in case of serious pathology; the use of odor-eliminating agents has a short-term effect
Sour
Sour breath is caused by increased stomach acidity and diseases accompanied by excess hydrochloric acid secretion: gastritis, ulcers, esophageal diverticulitis, pancreatitis. In addition to the smell, heartburn with nausea is often expressed.
Rotten eggs
The smell of rotten eggs in the mouth often occurs due to stomach pathologies, namely poisoning or gastritis with low acidity.
Ammoniacal
Ammonia breathing occurs when kidney function is impaired.
Stomach diseases
Stomach diseases, which most often manifest as unpleasant breathing, are infectious in nature. The main cause of this symptom is Helicobacter infection.
Important. When one family member becomes infected, the infection spreads among all residents of the apartment. However, not everyone gets the disease. Carrying the bacteria does not cause significant harm as long as the immune system remains normal. When the body's defenses are weakened, the harmful agent begins to multiply, releasing toxins, which cause gastritis, ulcers, polyposis and the formation of malignant tumors. The listed diseases often manifest themselves as unpleasant breathing.
Bad breath with gastritis occurs in forms with low acidity. In addition to inflammation of the mucous membrane, another condition is necessary for the sensation of bad breath - a violation of the closure of the alimentary sphincter. This pathology allows odor to penetrate into the oral cavity through the esophagus. If the sphincter is working normally, there will be no smell.
Important. Stomach diseases are not always accompanied by pain at the initial level. Symptoms such as bad breath, heartburn, nausea, and the formation of a white coating on the tongue should be a signal to visit a gastroenterologist. Early diagnosis and comprehensive treatment of gastrointestinal diseases will allow you to count on a quick resolution of the disease. Lack of timely correction of impaired functions can lead to the development of ulcers and cancer, which are prone to unfavorable outcomes.
Treatment for stomach diseases
After making a diagnosis and identifying concomitant diseases, the doctor selects the required volume of treatment measures, which includes nutrition, drug therapy and traditional medicine.
Stomach diseases are a common cause of unpleasant amber.
When the formation of bad breath due to the stomach is confirmed, drug treatment is usually prescribed, followed by a transition to traditional methods of therapy and a maintenance regimen.
Most used medications:
- Almagel is prescribed for gastritis and stomach ulcers. Has an analgesic and protective effect on the stomach;
- Omez helps improve the breakdown of food, which prevents rotting. Thereby eliminating the unpleasant odor;
- Antibacterial drugs are prescribed when inflammation is confirmed. The drug and course of treatment are selected depending on the stage of the disease and the form of the inflammatory process;
- Creon, Pancreotin, Festal - enzymatic preparations allow you to get rid of unpleasant odors by accelerating the process of breaking down food. Helps improve digestion and activate intestinal motor function. In addition to malicious amber, it relieves pain in the gastrointestinal tract.
Advice. Treatment with drugs should be prescribed by a specialist, based on the results of the study. Self-medication is not acceptable, even if the problem reoccurs after a certain time, previously prescribed therapy may not only be ineffective, but also aggravate the process.
How to determine if you have bad breath
You can find out if you have bad breath at home by performing one of the tests:
- fold your palms into a handful and exhale sharply, the lack of freshness will be immediately felt;
- spoon test. Swipe your tongue several times and identify the smell, so you will know what your breath smells like;
- By licking your wrist you can recognize the presence of the smell at the front of the tongue, but it should be borne in mind that what is caught from the wrist does not have a clearly defined pattern; the smell is stronger from the root of the tongue. If there is unpleasant breathing, the pathology should already be determined.
Bad breath can be indicated by unpleasant sensations in the mouth (discomfort, dryness, burning, pain or taste). Any violation must be noticed and eliminated - this will be the best prevention of problems.
Who to contact
To find out the reasons that can cause bad breath, you should visit a specialist:
- dentist;
- therapist (gastroenterologist, pulmonologist);
- surgeon.
Halitosis due to oral diseases carries more weight among other causes, the first thing you should do is visit a dentist
The list of specialists is presented in descending order according to the percentage of diseases accompanied by an unpleasant symptom. Most often, the cause lies in damage to the oral cavity, which is determined and eliminated when visiting a dentist and ENT (80%). However, in the absence of oral pathology, it is necessary to continue to search for the cause, and after identifying it, undergo a course of treatment. During treatment, strengthening hygiene procedures will improve the respiratory condition. In the absence of proper care, the unpleasant aroma only intensifies.
General principles of treatment of halitosis
Eliminating the cause of the symptom is the main principle of treating bad breath.
Each disease requires a special approach, however, with any manifestation, it is important to strengthen control over the condition of the oral cavity and use means that eliminate the unpleasant symptom (brushing your teeth, mouthwash, rinsing with herbs, using chewing gum and lozenges). Methods for eliminating bad breath will depend on the diagnosis:
- in case of inflammation - the use of antibacterial therapy and anti-inflammatory drugs;
- for chronic tonsillitis - removal of tonsils;
- sinusitis - puncture and rinsing of the sinuses;
- caries - sanitation of the oral cavity and treatment of affected teeth;
- hyperthyroidism – hormonal therapy;
- If the mucous membranes of the mouth are dry and salivation is impaired, drink plenty of fluids.
Dealing with unpleasant odors is not difficult with the right approach. Independent attempts to get rid of the disease may not be effective only because of the wrong approach. An unpleasant odor always acts as a symptom of some disease, and it is simply impossible to determine the cause without certain knowledge and the results of a diagnostic study.
It’s usually not entirely convenient to talk about the problem of repulsive bad breath, but this problem can affect any person. A repulsive odor is usually associated with violations of hygiene procedures, and therefore a person becomes uncomfortable when such an odor occurs. However, in fact, bad breath can be a consequence of more than just poor hygiene. Often the cause of bad breath is internal diseases.
It is curious that it is human nature to adapt very quickly to all kinds of odors and over time a person gets used to it and does not notice foreign odors. Based on this quality of our body, we do not smell our own perfume, even if it is a very strong aroma, because we get used to it. We do not smell our own body and it is for this reason that it is very difficult to detect smell from the mouth.
How can you tell if you have bad breath? Of course, you can go with the most simplified option - you can just ask your friends. However, not everyone can decide to take such an extraordinary step. In order not to experience false shame and embarrassment, it is necessary to treat this issue as a medical problem. In medicine, there is a special term for such a condition as bad breath from a person - helitosis.
Helitosis can be constantly present in a person, or it can appear periodically. Therefore, even if you decide to ask your friends about your own smell in your mouth, some day it may not be there, and later it may appear again.
For some people, the causes of bad breath may be simple hunger (the stomach reacts this way to a hungry state), while for others, on the contrary, the smell appears after eating. Most people pay little attention to this due to lack of time, or simply do not notice their smell. And if they notice, they do not rush to go to the doctor with this problem, but kill the unpleasant smell with menthol chewing gum or other mint preparations. Meanwhile, foreign repulsive odor from the mouth requires treatment. Moreover, helitosis, as mentioned above, can be a consequence not only of poor hygiene, but also a consequence of dental problems, as well as various diseases.
Like any disease, helitosis requires investigation into the causes of its occurrence before understanding how to treat it. treatment of bad breath.
But first, you need to learn to identify unattractive odors in your mouth. There are several tests that you can use to determine whether there is an odor in your mouth or not.
Spoon odor test
If you take a clean spoon and run it with the convex side over the surface of the tongue, there will naturally be remnants of saliva and, possibly, a white coating on the spoon. After waiting a few seconds, sniff the spoon - the smell you hear is your smell in your mouth.
Wrist Smell Test
Lick your own wrist and wait a few seconds for it to dry, then sniff your wrist. What you hear is the smell, only from the front of the tongue. It should be understood that the smell of this part of the tongue is much weaker, since it is naturally washed with our saliva, which, as is known, contains antibacterial components. The back of the tongue has a stronger odor and is what emits such an active unpleasant odor.
What is it anyway causes of bad breath and how to deal with it?
Causes of bad breath
First of all, it should be understood that an unpleasant, repulsive odor is a product of the vital activity of pathological bacteria accumulated in the oral cavity, and therefore most often such an odor arises, indeed, due to poor hygiene. Timely hygiene procedures will help you easily get rid of bad breath. If, after hygiene procedures, an odor still appears soon, that is, such procedures are not enough to prevent the appearance of odor in the mouth for a long time, then the cause must be sought deeper.
The cause of bad breath must be sought primarily in diseases of the oral cavity - caries, periodontal disease, periodontitis, pulpitis, gingivitis, stomatitis, and the presence of tartar. All of the above oral problems arise due to bacteria, which, when causing such unpleasant diseases, also cause persistent odors in the mouth. Food residues in the form of plaque accumulate on stones, in periodontal pockets, in carious cavities, causing an unpleasant odor and further aggravating the disease. And, for example, a disease such as gangrenous pulpitis is precisely characterized by a specific odor, by which, in fact, this disease is determined.
The second leading cause of bad breath is dry mucous membranes in the mouth. Saliva is our natural cleanser. With every sip of saliva, a huge amount of bacteria is washed away. Accordingly, when salivation decreases, the process of cleansing the oral cavity also worsens.
Reduced salivation can be the cause of suppressed functioning of the salivary glands, and can also be caused by diabetes, anemia, gastritis, neuroses, taking sleeping pills and drugs that calm the nervous system. In addition, decreased salivation is caused by habits such as smoking, mouth breathing, and drinking alcohol.
This phenomenon has a medical term - xerostomia. It is precisely because of dry mouth, which many people experience at night, that in the morning we may have an unpleasant odor from our mouth. During sleep, salivation weakens. The same thing can be observed during a long conversation, when we inhale air through the mouth. The mouth seems to be drying up. When this phenomenon becomes chronic, they speak of xerostomia.
In third place among the causes of bad breath are internal diseases. These diseases include:
- kidney (renal failure)
- liver (liver failure)
- stomach (gastritis, stomach ulcer, gastroduodenitis)
- infectious diseases of the respiratory tract (lung abscess, bronchiectasis)
- nasopharynx (tonsillitis, rhinitis, sore throat, pharyngitis, sinusitis)
No matter what various reasons cause bad breath, the source of all problems is bacteria.
Bacteria are always present in our oral cavity, creating a certain microflora there. Any living organism, and bacteria are no exception, when feeding, produces waste products, which are volatile sulfur compounds. It is these foul-smelling sulfurous volatile compounds that we smell from our mouths. In medicine, such bacteria are called anaerobic, that is, those that can develop exclusively in an oxygen-free environment, which is precisely the plaque on the teeth in the oral cavity.
Periodontal disease, which is characterized by the appearance of periodontal pockets between the teeth and gums in which anaerobic bacteria thrive, certainly requires treatment of the causes of bad breath.
How to treat bad breath?
Since the main source of the repulsive odor in the mouth, as we have found out, is bacteria, it is with them that we have to fight.
Among the simplest but most effective methods of treating the causes of bad breath are the following:
A balanced diet that combines more plant foods.
- Correct and regular hygiene procedures.
- Regular visits to the dentist for preventive professional cleaning of teeth from tartar, as well as, if necessary, timely treatment of possible dental and gum diseases.
It has long been noticed by doctors studying the problem of bad breath that when microbes consume protein, the release of an unpleasant odor occurs with greater intensity. People who eat a lot of vegetables, particularly vegetarians, are less likely to suffer from bad breath. No one is calling everyone to become vegetarians, since nutrition should still be balanced, but if you include more vegetables and fruits in your diet, then you will provide less food for bacteria, which means less products of their vital activity will be formed, which, in fact, emit a smell.
Good hygiene procedures will also help get rid of bad breath. To do this, it is necessary to use all kinds of methods that the modern hygiene industry offers today - toothpastes, gels, rinses, dental floss. Today, in addition to regular toothbrushes, the dental industry offers all kinds of electric toothbrushes, the use of which will allow you to better clean your teeth at home. The formation of dental plaque, a breeding ground for microbes, will occur more slowly and not as actively.
Of course, this does not eliminate the need to visit the dentist twice a year. Also, an important measure in the fight and treatment of bad breath is regular cleansing of not only the gums and teeth, but also the tongue. For some reason, many people forget about this organ when they clean their mouth. Meanwhile, it is on the tongue, as described above, that an unpleasant odor is formed and accumulated. Many modern models of toothbrushes also include cleaning the tongue.
The fact that it is the smell that can be the “first sign” signaling the onset of dental disease speaks in favor of the fact that it is necessary to visit the dentist regularly. In addition, a professional doctor is able to detect alarming symptoms at an early stage of the disease and begin treatment of bad breath with preventive measures.
For example, few people may know that drinking more water is a very effective way to stimulate salivation, which in turn will help quickly. get rid of bad breath.
In the fight for the good condition of the dentogingival system and the absence of unwanted odor in the mouth, rinsing with infusions of natural herbal remedies is very effective. For example, the following medicinal and aromatic herbs do an excellent job of reducing bad breath:
- anise seeds
- carnation leaves
- parsley leaves
- cinnamon
- dill
- strawberry leaves
- St. John's wort
- chamomile
- Oak bark
- wormwood
Some of these herbs have antiseptic properties, some relieve inflammation, which occurs precisely due to the presence of bacteria and is a source of bad breath. Moreover, it is not necessary to make infusions; you can simply chew clove seeds, or parsley, or mint. dill. This simulates the secretion of saliva, and saliva is known to be the very first natural cleanser. Even chewing gum promotes salivation and can help in the fight for fresh breath. However, chewing gum alone is not a remedy that eliminates the cause of bad breath.
Today there are also many pharmaceutical products that help eliminate unwanted odor in the mouth. These are products that contain menthol and eucalyptus oil.
However, if preventive methods based on competent hygiene procedures in the oral cavity do not help or help only temporarily, then it is necessary to treat bad breath more comprehensively by contacting a dentist, as well as a therapist to determine possible internal diseases of the food system.
Why is bad breath so unpleasant?
When looking for the causes of unwanted odor, it is worth remembering that the main source of odor is the waste products of pathological bacteria. When a significant amount of them accumulates in the oral cavity, they begin to exude terrible breath odor. Often a favorable environment for the proliferation of such bacteria is tartar.
The only way to combat this cause is regular hygiene procedures, as well as professional teeth cleaning to remove tartar. Moreover, when carrying out daily hygiene procedures, it is imperative to clean not only the gums and teeth, but also the tongue, because it is on the surface of the tongue, in particular on its back, that a large number of microbes accumulate, emitting unpleasant odors. The front of the tongue is usually bathed in saliva, but the back of the tongue is a problematic source of bad breath.
Dental problems with teeth and gums, such as caries and periodontal disease, are also a serious cause of unwanted odors in the mouth. Open carious cavities are an excellent habitat for bacteria, and as a result of inflammation of the gums, periodontal pockets (spaces between the teeth and gums) are formed, into which food debris gets trapped and eventually forms subgingival tartar. It is in tartar that microbes and bacteria accumulate. This is why people with severe dental plaque or advanced dental diseases always have bad breath (maybe the reason can be found here). Obviously, the way to fight for fresh breath is regular visits to the dentist, dental treatment, and professional cleaning of tartar.
It is also known that strong breath odor may occur after eating. Food is a direct source of odor in the mouth. Disorderly eating with all kinds of fatty, smoked, highly spicy foods, especially in combination with alcohol, leads to a very pathological odor in the mouth. It is enough to remember what sensations we experience in our mouths the morning after the festive rich dishes.
It should also be noted that vegetarians suffer significantly less from bad breath. Therefore, we can suggest that, as a preventive measure for a repulsive odor in the mouth, you should balance your diet, include more foods of plant origin in your diet, and also, if possible, exclude certain foods from consumption, especially before going to work, to public places, to a business meeting or to friends. .
Among the products that create a strong breath odor are the following:
- Dairy and cheese products - the milky coating remaining on the surface of the protein after drinking milk, as well as any lactic acid products, are an excellent source of food for anaerobic bacteria. Being proteins, these products are converted into amino acids and sulfur compounds when broken down. The lactose contained in milk is also destroyed, producing the same reaction. As you know, sulfur compounds, when they evaporate, create a very unpleasant odor.
- Garlic and onions - these products contain strong sulfur compounds and after consuming these products, volatile sulfur compounds begin to emanate from the skin and from the mouth of a person. A terrible odor from the mouth is formed, reminiscent of the smell of rotten eggs.
- Coffee - oddly enough, this beloved drink is also included in the list of “dangerous” products. The reason for this is the acidic environment that coffee forms in the mouth, instead of the alkaline environment familiar to the body. An acidic environment promotes the proliferation of pathological bacteria. It is no coincidence that some people experience a metallic taste in their mouth after drinking coffee.
- Fish and meat - high-protein foods are the best food for bacteria, and therefore, after eating such products, bacteria multiply very quickly in the mouth, the waste product of which is a strong odor from the mouth.
- Alcohol itself has a specific odor, and it also causes dry mouth. Weak salivation immediately leads to an increase in bacteria in the mouth and, accordingly, increases the unpleasant odor. True, alcohol cannot be classified as a product; rather, it is a bad habit.
Another bad habit that leads to terrible breath is smoking. Nicotine cannot be “interrupted” with anything. The only way to get rid of this kind of bad smell is not to smoke.
Another cause of bad breath can be clogs in the tonsils. Traffic jams promote increased formation of bacteria, which in turn create a nasty odor in the mouth.
Did you find out why does my breath smell can be unpleasant. It remains to understand how to deal with this, what needs to be done to ensure that your breath is always fresh and pleasant.
Prevention of bad breath
In the fight for fresh breath, two directions can be distinguished:
- the smell can be masked
- the smell can be eliminated, that is, the causes that cause it can be eliminated.
To mask bad odors, the dental hygiene industry today produces many products containing menthol and mint, as well as other flavored substances. However, to eradicate causes of disgusting smell, we can recommend the following:
- A balanced diet, but it is worth knowing that there are some diets that adversely affect breathing. For example, people who follow a low-carb diet run the risk of developing a very unpleasant odor in their mouth. The fact is that with such a diet, instead of carbohydrates, fats begin to be broken down; as a result of this breakdown, ketone molecules are formed, which emit a terrible odor in the mouth.
- Oral hygiene
- Stimulation of salivation
Saliva is the most faithful assistant in the fight for fresh breath. There are some foods that stimulate salivation:
- Parsley
- Green tea
- Natural yogurt
- Apples, pears
- Oranges, berries, melon
All the proposed measures should definitely help and make your breath pleasant and fresh. However, if, despite following all the proposed measures, you are haunted by bad breath, then it is hardly worth looking for the cause in a dental problem. Rather, you need to see a therapist for a comprehensive examination of possible internal diseases of the body as a whole.
Halitosis is a pathological condition characterized by the occurrence of bad breath. Often a symptom of diseases of the internal organs.
Causes
- Age: With age, saliva production gradually decreases.
- Morning breath: During sleep, saliva production slows down, and the process of self-cleaning of the oral cavity decreases.
- Smoking.
- Poor oral hygiene.
- Nutritional factor: the smell of some foods can remain for up to 24 hours (onions, garlic, spicy seasonings, some meats, cheeses, fish).
Bad breath is a sign of certain diseases:
- Diseases of teeth, gums;
- Diseases of the respiratory system (sinusitis, rhinitis,); In case of lung diseases, the smell usually intensifies when exhaling or coughing.
- Diseases of the digestive system: (GERD), stomach or duodenal ulcers, , .
- In case of diabetes, kidney disease (,), the smell of acetone appears.
Symptoms
The main symptom of halitosis is bad breath. It appears regardless of food intake and can be constant.
By the nature of bad breath, you can often determine its cause: gastritis, accompanied by a specific hydrogen sulfide odor; bitterness in the mouth, an unpleasant bitter odor are characteristic of gallbladder pathology; a pronounced putrid odor appears with some types of dysbacteriosis and intestinal obstruction; a sour smell may be present in people with high blood sugar or pancreatitis. In case of kidney pathology, the smell of acetone is felt from the mouth. With liver disease, an unpleasant “mouse aroma” occurs.
Diagnostics
A dental examination is carried out. It is possible to assess the intensity of an unpleasant odor using a special device - a halimeter. To identify pathogenic bacteria that cause halitosis, it is necessary to conduct a microbiological study of the composition of dental plaque. It is also necessary to consult an otolaryngologist in order to exclude diseases such as: and other ENT diseases that cause bad breath. A gastroenterological examination will rule out diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
Types of disease
In diabetic coma and pancreatic diseases, the smell of acetone appears.
In case of kidney failure or disease - the smell of ammonia.
Lung abscess, bronchiectasis is often accompanied by a putrid odor.
The hydrogen sulfide smell (of rotten eggs) accompanies diseases of the digestive tract. Gastritis with high acidity is characterized by an acidic odor.
A bitter odor appears in cases of severe diseases of the liver and gall bladder.
With dysbacteriosis, dyskinesia, or intestinal obstruction, an unpleasant odor of feces spreads from the mouth.
The smell of urine from the mouth indicates kidney disease.
Patient Actions
If you notice bad breath, you should consult a doctor to find out the cause.
Treatment
The starting principle for the treatment of halitosis is a course of professional hygiene, sanitation of the oral cavity. The patient is selected for personal hygiene products for the oral cavity, including toothpaste, dental floss, a toothbrush, and a special brush for cleaning the tongue. If there are periodontal pockets, an irrigator is recommended. If these measures are not enough, antibacterial therapy is carried out.
Two strategies are generally used to treat halitosis:
- antibacterial agents;
- products that convert odorous compounds into non-volatile forms (hygienic products containing bicarbonate of soda).
Today, methods that provide intensive oxygenation of the oral cavity are popular, since oxygen can inhibit anaerobic microflora. The source of active oxygen is peroxide compounds. In cases where intense bad breath is associated with gum damage, oxygen gel can be applied in specially made trays. Chewing gums, lollipops, and rinses containing oxygenating components are suitable for oxygenating the tongue area.
Among other antibacterial agents for the treatment of halitosis, the following are used: zinc salts (acetate, lactate), cetylpyridinium chloride, chlorhexidine. These substances can be used in chewing gum and mouth rinses.
Complications
Halitosis can lead to psychological discomfort.
Prevention
Prevention of halitosis resulting from improper oral hygiene is to follow the recommendations for brushing your teeth, gums, and tongue after each meal, using mouth rinse, and dental floss to clean the interdental spaces. Regular visits to the dentist (at least twice a year) for examination and professional teeth cleaning are recommended.
You should drink plenty of water to promote salivation.
Foods with odors can cause bad breath. Halitosis is the medical term for bad breath. Treatment for halitosis will depend on what is causing the bad breath. Treatment for bad breath is very simple. If bad breath persists, you should consult a doctor to determine the causes of bad breath and treatment. And treatment is necessary if the bad breath is constant and if you cannot determine the cause of this bad breath, consult a doctor to identify the cause of the bad breath and treatment. Smell from the mouth. Methods of treatment with folk remedies. The causes of bad breath can be divided into two groups: those associated with diseases of the oral cavity or those associated with diseases of the internal organs. Let us consider below not only all the possible causes of bad breath, but also methods of treating it.
Bad breath - causes and treatment
Bad breath can destroy any image, even a well-formed one. With the help of advice from professional doctors, we will help you, at a minimum, not attract the attention of others with your breathing.
Halitosis- a medical term for unpleasant odor from the mouth.
Morning bad breath is a purely physiological phenomenon and can be eliminated with an ordinary toothbrush. Additionally, certain foods such as garlic, onions or cabbage can also cause bad breath. All these manifestations relate to physiological odor from the mouth (halitosis (bad breath)). Eat less of these smelly foods.
However, more than a quarter of the entire world's population suffers from pathological halitosis (bad breath) (bad breath). In this case, neither tons of chewing gum, nor mountains of mint candies, nor newfangled mouth sprays help - the smell still remains unpleasant.
Bad breath can also be caused by advanced caries. A large number of anaerobic bacteria and food debris accumulate in carious cavities. These cavities are difficult to clean using conventional hygiene products, which makes the disease highly resistant. The same applies to periodontitis - microbes actively multiply under the gums, causing a sulfurous odor. In this case, even the blood and purulent inflammatory exudate located in the gum pockets smell unpleasant.
Wearing dentures can also lead to halitosis - firstly, the smell will be absorbed by the polymer base of the denture, and secondly, pieces of food can remain under the dentures and decompose there, emitting “odors”.
Another cause of halitosis is decreased saliva secretion and dry mouth syndrome. When saliva is not released quickly enough and in small quantities, the natural cleaning of the oral cavity from food debris is disrupted, favorable conditions are created for the proliferation of microorganisms, and local immunity is reduced.
Common causes of halitosis include mainly chronic diseases associated with the gastrointestinal tract, ENT diseases, metabolic disorders, hormonal disorders, etc. For example, in women, bad breath may appear during the onset of the menstrual cycle, which associated with increased estrogen levels. These hormones promote increased desquamation of the epithelium, including on the oral mucosa, and this is a favorite breeding ground for anaerobic microorganisms.
In many cases, halitosis should make the patient check his health - the smell also signals a more serious illness. Thus, in approximately 8% of cases, the cause of halitosis is pathology of the ENT organs. Chronic sinusitis, rhinitis, tonsillitis, nasal polyps often make themselves felt with an unpleasant odor.
Many people know that a consequence of diabetes mellitus is often the smell of acetone released when breathing. Dysfunction of the liver and gall bladder are also accompanied by a “pungent” heavy odor, and kidney failure is accompanied by a putrid “fishy” odor. So, before you run to the pharmacy for a new toothbrush and advertised toothpaste that kills germs outright, go to the doctor.
Food is also of great importance. For example, garlic and raw onions contain substances that belong to the group of sulfur compounds. They are able to be absorbed into the blood and then released through the lungs during breathing.
Alcohol, nicotine, coffee and some medications (antibiotics and sulfonamides, antidepressants, antihistamines and anti-inflammatory drugs) cause dry mouth and, as a result, lead to an unpleasant odor.
Stress, nervous tension, or excessive dieting and fasting also lead to halitosis. During fasting, a deficiency in the intake of proteins and fats is created in the body, and the utilization of endogenous reserves begins, which can also cause an unpleasant odor. It appears during a stressful situation and disappears after the cessation of emotional stress. Among the causes are impaired salivation and dry mouth.
Nowadays medicine uses effective methods for diagnosing halitosis. You can evaluate the intensity of an unpleasant odor using a special device - a halimeter. It is not only useful for diagnosis, but also allows you to evaluate how well the treatment is progressing.
To identify bacteria that cause halitosis, some dentists use microbiological tests, for example, analyzing the composition of dental plaque. Using a mirror, the back of the tongue is examined - it should be the same color as the oral mucosa. White, cream or brown color indicates glossitis. The condition of the patient’s teeth is also assessed for the quality of hygiene.
A consultation with an ENT doctor (for the presence of sinusitis and polyps) and a gastroenterologist is also necessary - he must exclude systemic diseases such as diabetes, liver and kidney failure.
Treatment for halitosis will depend on what caused the disease. If these are advanced ENT diseases, then you will have to undergo treatment from an otolaryngologist. Other chronic diseases require consultation and treatment from appropriate specialists.
If the cause of the unpleasant odor lies in the oral cavity, then it is necessary to eliminate foci of infection, remove decayed teeth that cannot be restored, and undergo a course of professional oral hygiene with the removal of supragingival and subgingival dental plaque.
Any odor is a volatile compound. This problem is solved in different ways. People often try to mask the odor with mouthwash or chewing gum. But few people know that the effect of chewing gum is temporary and they have a detrimental effect on the gastrointestinal tract. As for rinses, they kill the natural flora of the oral cavity, and this can only increase the unpleasant odor. Today, CB12 anti-bad breath is the only product that completely neutralizes volatile compounds rather than masking them. With daily use of the product, fresh breath will become your constant companion. Unlike other rinses, it retains its effect for 12 hours, acts directly on the cause of the odor, without disturbing the normal flora in the mouth.
Compliance with hygiene rules is of great importance: teeth should be brushed using a toothbrush and floss (dental floss) to remove plaque and food debris from the teeth. And cleaning your tongue should become a mandatory daily procedure. This not only helps eliminate odor, but also reduces the total number of bacteria in the oral cavity, which has a beneficial effect on the health of periodontal tissue. If periodontitis has already been diagnosed, it is worth starting to use special oral irrigators to more effectively remove infected masses and food debris from the periodontal pockets. In addition, these irrigators will help get rid of dry mouth.
Don’t forget about proper nutrition: an excess of fast carbohydrates (sugar and processed foods) increases the amount of plaque on the teeth and leads to caries. Eat more fiber. Fresh greens, vegetables and fruits will help normalize intestinal function and reduce bad breath.
Checking your breathing
In order to determine the freshness of your breath, just bring your palm to your face in such a way as to simultaneously cover your mouth and nose. After this, exhale deeply through your mouth. Did you smell it? If you can’t clearly determine what and how much it smells, buy a disposable mask at the pharmacy and breathe into it for a minute. The smell under the mask will exactly match the smell that others smell from you during communication.
Today, specialized breath indicators are produced that can determine the level of freshness on a five-point scale. The manufacturers of this device claim that its use is a sign of good manners. In fact, it is easier to talk about the smell with your loved ones, ideally with your child, because children are less diplomatic in these matters and will tell the whole truth.
In medical institutions they use a more complex device - a gas analyzer. With its help, you can determine the chemical composition of the air that is exhaled and, based on the analysis, determine the causes of the bad odor.
Why is my breath bad?
The main causes of halitosis (bad breath) are:
- insufficient level of hygiene;
- diseases of teeth and gums;
- xerostomia - insufficient level of hydration of the oral mucosa;
- inflammatory processes in the oral cavity.
In these cases, the cause of the foul odor is bacteria accumulated in the mouth and residual food fragments. It is almost impossible to combat these phenomena at home. Such halitosis (bad breath) can only be cured in dental clinics.
But it is necessary to take into account that halitosis (bad breath) can be caused not only by diseases of the oral cavity.
In one case out of ten, the causes of odor are:
- ENT diseases: sore throats, sinusitis, runny nose;
- diseases of the intestines and stomach;
- lung diseases;
- endocrine system disorders;
- all kinds of diets;
- some medicines;
- smoking.
What does illness smell like?
The hydrogen sulfide smell is the smell of rotten eggs. The cause of the smell is the process of rotting protein substances. If the smell is accompanied by pain in the abdominal area after eating, belching and nausea, then it can be caused by gastritis with low acidity, peptic ulcer, diverticulosis of the stomach or esophagus, etc.
Very often, such an unpleasant odor can occur after a banal “holiday” overeating. In such cases, you can get rid of it with the help of absorbent substances (activated carbon, Smecta), as well as enzyme-based drugs (Festal, Pancreatin, Mezim, etc.).
A sour smell and taste in the mouth can be caused by: gastritis with high acidity, gastrointestinal ulcers, esophageal diseases.
The smell and taste of bitterness is a manifestation of diseases of the gallbladder and liver; this can also be indicated by a yellow coating on the tongue.
The smell of feces from the mouth can occur with dysbacteriosis, intestinal motor neuroses (dyskinesia) and intestinal obstruction.
The acetone smell with a sweet aftertaste can cause pancreatic diseases and diabetes.
The smell of urine from the mouth indicates kidney disease.
Treatment of bad breath (halitosis - bad breath)
First of all, try adding a tongue cleansing procedure to your daily twice-daily brushing of your teeth. It is better to do this in the evening using an ordinary teaspoon. Using light, gentle movements from root to tip, clean your tongue of daytime plaque. The procedure is not very pleasant, but effective.
Cleaning your tongue will rid you of bacteria, the population of which could increase significantly overnight in a favorable oral environment. Believe me, thanks to this evening procedure, your breath will be much fresher the next morning.
Clean the spaces between your teeth using a special floss. If you don’t have this tool at hand, use the old-fashioned method: tear off a strip of clean polyethylene, stretch it into a thread and remove food debris and plaque from the interdental space.
- After eating, be sure to rinse your mouth. You should not use tea for this purpose; it darkens tooth enamel.
Making your own mouth rinses
1. A tablespoon of mint, chamomile, sage or strawberry is poured into a glass of boiling water. After cooling, the broth is filtered. Use for rinsing after meals 3-4 times a day.
2. A tablespoon of oak bark is poured into 200 ml of boiling water and heated in a water bath for up to 30 minutes. Strain after cooling and rinse your mouth and throat. Oak bark has a strengthening effect on the gums and clears plaque from the tonsils, which can serve as sources of bad breath due to a large accumulation of infectious components.
An irrigator provides more effective cleaning of the oral cavity at home. This is a toothbrush-type tool that cleans the spaces between teeth using a strong jet of water, which massages the surface of the gums and activates blood circulation.
Choosing a toothpaste for bad breath
If you have halitosis (bad breath), you should choose a toothpaste that does not contain alcohol. Alcohol dries out the oral mucosa, which intensifies the odor.
In addition, pay attention to pastes that contain antibacterial agents based on chlorine compounds.
When choosing a rinse aid, the same principles are used as when choosing a toothpaste. In addition, modern mouthwashes may contain components (zinc- and choloro-containing) that reduce the activity of halitosis (bad breath) due to chemical reactions.
Quick effect of fresh breath
There are a large number of modern means of quickly getting rid of bad breath: aerosol fresheners, chewing gum, lollipops, etc. They are characterized by both rapid efficiency and low stability due to their short duration of action.
What to do when they are not at hand at the right time?
First of all, try drinking a cup of strong tea, then rinse your mouth and throat with clean water.
Apples and carrots will help get rid of the smell. The aroma of onions or garlic can be neutralized with parsley or celery root.
Chewing coffee beans can reduce the unpleasant smell and taste in your mouth.
People who have to talk a lot during the day often have bad breath. This is due to drying of the oral mucosa due to a decrease in the amount of saliva.
Saliva is a natural means of cleaning the oral cavity. Saliva contains the antibacterial enzyme lysozyme, which ensures the destruction of bacterial cells. In addition, saliva ensures the dissolution of food debris and toxins released by bacteria. Lack of saliva is one of the main reasons for increased bad breath.
In such situations, you should simply drink more often. A small amount of liquid will protect the oral cavity from drying out, remove the unpleasant taste and freshen your breath.
Include oatmeal porridge in your morning diet; this product significantly activates saliva production.
If there is no toothbrush nearby, you can wipe your teeth, gums and tongue with your finger. Thus, you will not only get rid of the unpleasant odor, but also massage your gums.
Use walnut pulp to rub your gums. In this way, you can provide the oral cavity with the necessary vitamins and freshen your breath with a pleasant nutty taste.
You need to understand that bad breath is a problem that interferes with your normal life. Halitosis (bad breath) is a direct threat not only to personal self-esteem, but also to a person’s social status. Communication, attractiveness and sexuality can be ruined in an instant by repulsive bad breath.
Halitosis (bad breath) is a problem that requires mandatory solutions. At the same time, we should not go to extremes; traditional methods of hygiene procedures are familiar to us from childhood, and they should not be neglected.
If the odor remains, even after daily oral hygiene, you need to contact your dentist. Nine times out of ten, your problem will be resolved within a few visits. If your mouth and teeth turn out to be healthy, and the smell continues to bother you, then you will have to look for the reasons inside the body.
Start visiting doctors with an ENT specialist. Diseases of the nose, throat and ear most often provoke problems with fresh breath. If no complaints are found from these bodies, then it’s time to visit a therapist. It is possible that the cause of the unpleasant odor is an exacerbation of a disease that has become chronic and to which you have long been accustomed.