Post by Admin on Dec 6, 2013 18:44:10 GMT -4
What products can be used to eliminate or mask bad breath?
Bad breath that is due to simple causes such as foods may be more easily masked or eliminated than bad breath due to medical conditions, infections, or medication side effects.
There are some things a person can do to eliminate or at least temporarily mask bad breath.
Brushing the teeth and tongue, and flossing, can often eliminate bad breath, at least in the short term.
Mouthwash may temporarily mask bad breath.
Chewing sugarless gum or sucking on sugar free mints may temporarily mask bad breath odor.
For more serious cases of bad breath, dentists can prescribe special toothpaste and mouthwash that can improve the symptoms of bad breath.
Bad breath facts
Bad breath, or halitosis, is characterized by an unpleasant odor of the mouth.
Causes of bad breath include food, tobacco products, poor dental hygiene, health problems, dry mouth, mouth infections, dental problems, or medications.
Symptoms of bad breath include unpleasant odor or taste in the mouth, dry mouth, or white coating on the tongue.
Treatments for bad breath include proper dental hygiene, mouthwash, sugar free gum, quitting smoking, and changing bad habits.
Bad breath can usually be prevented by proper tooth brushing, quitting smoking, and avoiding foods that cause bad breath odors.
What is the definition of bad breath?
The definition of bad breath, or halitosis, is an unpleasant odor of the mouth. It can occur on occasion, or it can be a chronic condition. It may be caused by foods a person eats, poor oral hygiene, medical conditions, or other factors.
What are the causes of bad breath?
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There are many causes for bad breath; some common causes are listed below.
Food: Food is a primary source of bad odors that come from the mouth. Some foods, such as garlic, onions, and spicy foods, exotic spices (such as curry), some cheeses, fish, and acidic beverages such as coffee can leave a lingering smell. Most of the time this is short-term. Other foods may get stuck in the teeth, promoting the growth of bacteria, which causes bad breath odor. Low carbohydrate diets may also cause 'ketone breath.' These diets cause the body to burn fat as its energy source. The end-product of making this energy are ketones, which cause a fruity acetone-like odor on the breath when exhaled.
Tobacco products: Smoking and chewing tobacco can leave chemicals that remain in the mouth. Smoking can also precipitate other bad-breath causes such as gum disease or oral cancers.
Poor dental hygiene: When a person does not brush or floss regularly, food particles remaining in the mouth can rot and cause bad odors. Poor dental care can lead to a buildup of plaque in the mouth, which causes an odor of its own. Plaque buildup can also lead to periodontal (gum) disease. The mild form of gum disease is called gingivitis; if gingivitis is not treated, it can advance to periodontitis.
Health problems: Sinus infections, pneumonia, sore throat (pharyngitis) and other throat infections, thrush, bronchitis, post nasal drip, diabetes, acid reflux, lactose intolerance, and some liver or kidney diseases may be associated with bad breath.
Dry Mouth: Also called xerostomia, dry mouth can also cause bad breath. Saliva helps moisten and cleanse the mouth, and when the body does not product enough saliva, bad breath may result. Dry mouth may be caused by salivary gland problems, connective tissue disorders (Sjögren's syndrome), medications, or breathing through the mouth.
Mouth infections: Cavities, gum
disease, or impacted teeth may cause bad breath. Dentures or braces: Food particles not properly cleaned from appliances can rot or cause bacteria and odor. Loose-fitting dentures may cause sores or infections in the mouth, which can cause bad breath.
Medications: Many medications including antihistamines and diuretics can cause dry mouth (see above), which can cause bad breath. Other medications which may lead to bad breath may include insulin shots, triamterene, and paraldehyde.
"Morning breath": Bad breath in the morning is very common. Saliva production nearly stops during sleep, which allows bacteria to grow, causing bad breath.
Other causes of bad breath: Objects stuck in the nose (usually in children), alcoholism, and large doses of vitamin supplements
When should I see a doctor about bad breath?
Most of the time, bad breath can be cured with proper oral hygiene. It is rarely life-threatening. However, bad breath may be a symptom of a medical disorder.
If proper oral hygiene does not eliminate bad breath, see a dentist or doctor if bad is accompanied by:
persistent dry mouth,
sores in the mouth,
pain or difficulty with chewing or swallowing,
broken teeth or dental pain,
white spots on the tonsils, or
fever.
Also see a doctor or dentist if a person has bad breath and he or she is taking a new medication, have had recent dental surgery, or have any other symptoms that are of concern.
Bad breath in babies or young children may be a sign of infection or undiagnosed medical problems. Consult your child's pediatrician or dentist if your infant or young child has bad breath.
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