Cause of Bad Breath
Bad breath, also called halitosis, is not just an embarrassing inconvenience, but it can be a sign that you are suffering from an underlying condition. The most common cause of halitosis is the accumulation of bacteria in and around the mouth. The bacteria break down food particles and produce foul-smelling sulfur compounds. If you have a consistent problem with bad breath, you should see your dentist or doctor for treatment. Constant halitosis could be a warning sign of other health problems such as respiratory or sinus infections; postnasal drip; bronchitis; acid reflux (gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD); liver, kidney or blood disorders; or certain metabolic disorders.입냄새원인
Most people’s halitosis is temporary, caused by eating a garlicky meal or by smoking or drinking coffee or alcoholic beverages. It may be relieved by brushing or using a mouthwash.
However, if you have chronic halitosis or if the odor doesn’t go away after brushing or using mouthwash, you should visit your dentist or doctor to get diagnosed and treated for an underlying health condition. In most cases, your doctor will examine your mouth, nose and throat to determine the cause of the odor. You will need to answer questions about how often you brush and floss, what types of foods you eat, whether you snore or smoke and what medications you take.
If the halitosis is caused by poor dental hygiene or a medical condition that can be treated, the doctor will usually advise you on how to improve your oral hygiene. He or she may recommend a special toothbrush with an antimicrobial agent or a tongue scraper to reduce the bacterial buildup. Other treatments may include a special cleaning or a deep cleaning of the teeth, gums and oropharynx. Medications that cause dry mouth can contribute to halitosis, so it is important to drink plenty of water and use sugarless chewing gums or mints to stimulate saliva production.
Breathing through the mouth rather than the nose can also lead to bad halitosis, especially in children and those with a stuffy nose or sinus infection. Tobacco products such as cigarettes, chewing tobacco and e-cigarettes can also cause bad halitosis. Keeping a diary of the foods you eat and the medicines you take can help your doctor find out what is causing your halitosis. If the odor persists, the doctor may need to perform more extensive tests such as portable sulfur monitors, gas chromatography or chemical tests on tongue scrapings. However, these tests are rarely needed unless warning signs are present. To help you to identify and treat the causes of your halitosis, your doctor may suggest that you avoid the suspected foods or medications for a period of time to see if they make the odor disappear. This is referred to as a “trial of avoidance”. If the odor doesn’t disappear, your doctor will most likely prescribe other dietary and medical treatments.해우소한의원