Bad Breath
Bad breath, otherwise known as halitosis, can
be a major source of anxiety and distress in social settings. Everyone experiences bad breath from time to time, but if it is persistent and ongoing, it may be cause for concern, because it could be a precursor of more serious oral problems down the line.
If you have persistent bad breath, please schedule an appointment with Dr. Madison by calling (310)553-2940.
What Causes Bad Breath?
Bad breath can have a multitude of causes. In the morning, it is caused by the compounds expelled by bacteria, after consuming skin cells that died overnight inside the mouth. Eating pungent foods like garlic or onions or smoking and/or chewing tobacco products may also cause periods of bad breath.
Other causes include not properly removing odor-causing food particles from the mouth after each meal, i.e. lack of flossing.
Xerostomia, or dry mouth, contributes to breath that is less than fresh as well. A lack of saliva to remove dead cells that build up inside the mouth will promote the growth of bacteria between the teeth, around the gums, inside the cheeks and on the tongue.
Finally, certain medical problems, such as gum disease, can also cause bad breath. With gum disease, plaque buildup on the teeth spreads to the gums, producing unpleasant breath.
Bad Breath Myths
There are a number of false beliefs about bad breath:
Mouthwash will make my bad breath disappear.
WWrong. Mouthwash can only alleviate the problem temporarily. However, to increase its effects, make sure to find one that is an antiseptic (kills germs that cause bad breath) and reduces plaque.
If I brush my teeth, I won't have bad breath.
Also not true. Most people don't brush long enough, leaving behind food particles for bacteria to feast on--see our guide to proper teeth brushing techniques. To help the situation, make sure to brush for at least two minutes, twice a day. Don't forget to floss because brushing alone won't remove the plaque between the teeth. Finally, remember to brush your tongue, a source of odor-causing bacteria.
I can breathe into my hand to see if I have bad breath.
This is also incorrect. When you breathe, the air is not exhaled the same way as it is when you speak. Talking brings out the odors from the back of the mouth, where foul odors originate.
How to Fight Bad Breath
To eliminate bad breath, simply observe the best practices in maintaining good dental hygiene. See your dentist every six months to ensure that there are no gum-related problems or cavities.
Use sugar-free gum, breath mints, quality mouthwash and toothpastes, and in case you are fighting gum disease, you can benefit from a procedure called "scaling and root planning." During scaling, plaque and tartar is removed from below the gum line. During root planning, the roots of the teeth are smoothed to allow the gums to reattach to their roots.
If you have persistent bad breath, please schedule an appointment with Dr. Madison by calling (310)553-2940.
If you have any other questions or comments regarding this article, please contact us at (310) 553-2940 or by email at periodontics@earthlink.net.
Dr. Miles Madison, D.D.S., is an award-winning periodontist in Beverly Hills, California.
