How to detect and deal with bad breath

Firstclass newsline Special:Suffering from halitosis? To ascertain
your answer, simply lick the inside of your wrist with the back of
your tongue; wait for a few seconds until the saliva dries. If you get
an unpleasant smell from your wrist, there is likelihood that you are
a sufferer.
Also referred to as smelly mouth, studies have estimated that up to 50
per cent of people have halitosis.
It is important to know that halitosis can occur even if you brush and
floss your teeth regularly. Bad breath is caused by the gums and
tongue – not the teeth.
Sometimes, it could only last for a short period, but with some
sufferers, it is persistent.
Halitosis can be as a result of poor dental health habits. It can also
be worsened by the types of food one eats and incessant indulgence in
other unhealthy lifestyle habits.
Clinically considered a minor issue, persistent bad breath may be as a
result of serious health issues. Buttressing this, a dentist, who is
also the Secretary-General, Nigerian Dental Association, Dr. Kolawole
Obagbemiro, said a smelly mouth can be a pointer to some underlining
problems.
He said, "Halitosis is mostly caused by sulphur-producing bacteria
that normally live on the surface of the tongue and in the throat.
Sometimes, these bacteria start to break down proteins at a very high
rate and odorous volatile sulphur compounds are released from the back
of the tongue and throat. Anyone with bad breath should go for oral
examination. Persistent bad breath may be a warning sign of gum
(periodontal) disease. Gum disease is caused by the buildup of plaque
on teeth. Bacteria cause the formation of toxins to form, which
irritate the gums. If gum disease continues untreated, it can damage
the gums and jaw bone. Other dental causes of bad breath include
poorly fitting dental appliances, yeast infection of the mouth, and
dental caries (cavities).
"The medical condition, dry mouth (also called xerostomia) also can
cause bad breath. Saliva is necessary to moisten the mouth, neutralise
acids produced by plaque, and wash away dead cells that accumulate on
the tongue, gums, and cheeks. If not removed, these cells decompose
and can cause bad breath. Dry mouth may be a side effect of various
medications, salivary gland problems, or continuous breathing through
the mouth."
According to Obagbemiro, the disease affects all ages, including
babies. A baby can be infected by a mother, who is a sufferer but who
constantly puts her mouth in the baby's. Thus she inflicts bacteria in
the baby's oral environment.
But men stand a higher risk of suffering from halitosis. Explaining
further, Obagbemiro said, "From research, bad breath is more common in
men because women tend to pay more attention to hygiene and regularly
take care of their bodies compared to men."
A nutritionist at the Federal Medical Centre, Idi-Aba, Abeokuta, Ogun
State, Okunola Oladimeji shared the same view but with a caveat:
"To the best of my knowledge, I don't think there is any research that
states that men are more likely to have bad breath than women. It is
more common in men than women. This is because women are more
conscious of personal hygiene and would always go the extra mile to
smell and look good. Once a woman notices that she has bad breath, she
could go to any length to deal with it; a man may not be too concerned
even when his attention is being drawn to it," he explained.
Stressing the need for proper but healthy eating habits, he said
consumption of sweets and junk foods at night propels bad breath.
"Generally, late night meals are unhealthy. When such meals are taken
and one doesn't brush one's teeth, particles are stuck in the teeth
and this serve as breeding ground for bacteria. Ideally, one should
brush at least twice in a day — morning and before going to bed at
night."
An uncontrolled lifestyle of alcohol and cigarettes consumption is
another cause of bad breath.
Oladimeji explained that, "Persons addicted to alcohol permanently
suffer from halitosis. Not only that, consuming leftovers without
heating on the stove or other cooking device, could cause bad breath.
Also, don't forget the tongue. It is a major cause of mouth odour, if
your tongue is not well washed, it could cause bad breath," he said.
For those who opt for bubble gum in dealing with bad breath, he warned
that chewing gum aggravates the situation in any sufferer
"Chewing gum regularly doesn't take care of bad breath; rather, it
damages one's teeth. Even when some minty bubble gum is taken, they
provide a temporary relief and once the flavour is drained, the smell
continues. But before visiting a dentist to complain of bad breath,
ensure you are not taking drugs that could propel bad breath.
Speaking on the symptoms of bad breath, Obagbemiro said, "If one
notices a white coating on the tongue especially at the back of the
tongue, this could be a symptom of bad breath."
Other symptoms, he said, include dry mouth, build up around the teeth,
post-nasal drip or mucous, morning bad breath and a burning tongue,
thick saliva and a constant need to clear the throat and constant
sour, bitter metallic taste in the mouth."
Treatment for halitosis is simple and can easily be carried out by
adhering to dental instructions. According to the chief dental
Officer, Lagos State Health Service Commission, Dr. Olufemi Orebanjo,
treatment is based on the primary cause of halitosis.
He said, "Avoiding dehydration by drinking lots of water and
maintaining a good oral hygiene are major steps to take. This means
brushing and flossing of the teeth are important. Already, some
mouthwashes and toothpastes are manufactured for this purpose and can
assist in fighting halitosis.
"Gentle, but effective tongue cleaning is also required. A variety of
tongue brushes and scrapers have been produced in recent years. The
tongue should be brushed in a gentle but thorough manner, from the
back towards the front of the tongue, keeping in mind that the hardest
to reach back portion smells the worst. But consult your dentist to
identify the cause of the bad breath and to get the most effective
treatment for you."
Orebanjo, however, noted that the condition shouldn't be treated with
kid's gloves.
He said "Halitosis may be related to a disease in one's digestive
system or airways. If left untreated, the person's health deteriorates
and could lead to death. Doctors don't like mentioning this aspect so
as not to scare people."
Mentioning the fact that bad breath affects people of all age groups,
he advised that everyone, including men, should be concerned about
personal hygiene.
Firstclassnewsline.net