Bad Breath/ Halitosis |
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Halitosis,
also known as bad breath, is a very
common oral health problem. It can
lead to social embarrassment and
low self-confidence. Most people
suffer from bad breath at one time
or another. However, prolonged bad
breath may be an indication of another
disorder.
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Causes and Risk Factors
Bad breath is an unpleasant situation,
and in some cases individuals
who are suffering from bad breath
are not even aware of the problem.
There are several conditions that
lead to bad breath.
Poor
dental hygiene: This is
considered to be the leading cause
of bad breath. Consumed food remains
in the mouth if there is not proper
and regular brushing and flossing.
The bacteria that are already present
in the mouth feed on these food
particles and lead to putrefaction.
The failure to cleanse the tongue
while brushing the teeth also causes
bad breath.
Dental decay: Dental cavities or caries
are formed as a result of poor
dental hygiene. The food particles
that remain between the tongue,
on the tongue, and around the
gums can rot, which leads to dental
decay and causes offensive odor.
Periodontal
diseases: Bad breath
and unpleasant taste in the mouth
are some of the primary symptoms
of gingivitis or periodontis.
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Xerostomia
(dry mouth): Xerostomia refers
to a condition wherein there is a significant
decrease in saliva production in the
mouth that prevents it to cleanse itself
and remove debris and food particles.
There are several causes of xerostomia,
including medications that dry out mucoid
membranes, disorder of salivary gland,
and breathing through the mouth instead
of through the nose.
Consuming
strong smelling foods: The
food that is consumed is broken down
in the mouth, digested, and transported
into the bloodstream. Eventually, the
odor is expelled from the body by the
lungs. Strong smelling foods such as
onions and garlic release a foul odor
that results in bad breath.
Tobacco
products: Besides causing bad
breath, cigarettes, cigars, snuff, or
smokeless tobacco can also stain teeth
and cause a number of diseases including
oral cancer and lung cancer.
Other
disorders: Persistent and long
lasting bad breath can be an indicator
of other diseases such as sinusitis,
diabetes, chronic bronchitis, gastrointestinal
disease, liver, and kidney ailment.
Other
causes: Eating disorders such
as anorexia and bulimia, improper cleaning
of dentures and certain vitamin deficiencies
can also cause bad breath.
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