Apart from brushing your teeth, you also need to clean your tongue with a soft brush. Photo/Fotosearch
Bad breath is often the source of many jokes but for those living with it, it can be a source of social isolation, relationship problems and even suicide.
In Kenya, it is one of the most common medical issues that does not get to reach the doctor. Most people do not consider it serious enough to visit the hospital for a check up.
Interestingly, the reason why it is difficult for people with bad breath to know it is because the cells of the nose become unresponsive to the bad odour if they are constantly exposed to it (the same way you cannot smell your own perfume or cologne a few hours after applying it yet other people can).
A simple way to check if you have bad breath is to lick the back of your hand, let it dry then smell it.
Causes:
1. Morning breath
Bacteria and reduced saliva flow at night usually leads to bad breath in the morning. It is usually worse for people who sleep with their mouth open.
2. Diet
Common culprits include garlic, onion, exotic spices, curry, certain cheeses and some types of fish.
3. Oral hygiene
Most of us brush our teeth daily. However, most do not brush our tongues or clean between our teeth with dental floss. If your tongue has a whitish coating on it, you are not cleaning your mouth properly.
4. Dental issues
Tooth decay and gum disease are leading causes of bad breath. In particular, gum disease usually causes bad breath with an associated bad taste in the mouth. Poorly fitting and poorly cleaned dentures and braces can also cause bad breath.
5. Dry mouth
Good flow of saliva is crucial for fresh breath. A dry mouth usually results in unpleasant mouth odours. This is common in people who breathe with their mouths open and with use of certain medications.
6. Tobacco
Smoking, chewing tobacco products or using snuff have all been associated with bad breath. Tobacco stains teeth, irritates the gum and worsens tooth decay. It also dries the mouth. The problem, especially with smokers, is that even after brushing, there is usually some residual bad breath.
7. Skipping meals
If your body does not get sufficient food, it begins to break down its own fat leading to a special type of bad breath known as ‘hunger breath’ (due to accumulation of substances known as ketones in the blood stream). This breath is found in people who skip meals, during fasting, starvation and use of very low calorie diets.
8. Mouth and throat infections
The most common are mouth sores and tonsilitis.
9. Chronic health conditions
This includes diabetes, liver, lung, kidney and digestion problems.
10. Sinusitis
Congestion of the sinuses with drip of mucus behind the nose (post-nasal drip) leads to bad breath.
11. Medication
Anti-hypertensives (for high blood pressure), anti-psychotics, anti-depressants, antihistamines (allergy medication) and some decongestants have been known to cause drying of the mouth resulting in bad breath.
12. Psychosis
Sometimes people become so obsessed with the idea that they have bad breath they develop a condition known as ‘delusional halitosis’ (imaginary bad breath). This is more common in young men and is linked to depression.
13. Pregnancy
Some pregnant women develop gum swelling and irritation (pregnancy gingivitis). This combined with morning sickness can lead to bad breath.
How to handle it
Brush your teeth at least twice a day. (If possible, brush after every meal).
Floss after every meal. If not possible, at least ensure you do it every evening as you clean your teeth.
Clean your tongue daily with a tongue scraper or a soft toothbrush.
Most dentists will tell you that most mouth washes and breath freshening mouth sprays are cosmetic. They help for a short while but do not clear the underlying cause of the bad breath. There are, however, a few antiseptic mouth rinses that have been found to kill bacteria that cause plaque. These should only be used under the guidance of a dentist.
Visit your dentist at least twice a year. Ensure you have your teeth professionally cleaned to help prevent build up of harmful plaque.
Daily cleaning of dentures and braces.
Replace toothbrushes every 2-3 months.
Salt water rinses are a good way of cleaning the mouth as an addition to brushing and flossing.
Chew sugar free gum to help stimulate saliva flow.
Chew on natural breath fresheners such as mint and parsley.
Citrus fruits such as lemons and oranges are good saliva stimulators.
Keep a water bottle: Constantly sipping on water helps keep the mouth moist and helps combat bad breath. Hot water with lemon is a good option especially with the current cold weather.
Artificial saliva can be used in extreme cases of dry mouth under the direction of your dentist.
Visit your physician or an ear, nose and throat specialist (ENT) to check on other medical conditions that may be contributing to your bad breath. This should be done after visiting the dentist.
Discuss your medication with your doctor or pharmacist to find out if they are the cause of your bad breath.
