Bad breath, or `Halitosis' is a common problem, which often occurs due to bacterial activity in the mouth.
Although brushing is a good mechanical aid for maintaining proper oral hygiene, there are many factors that may cause morning bad breath or halitosis. Some people suffer from bad breath without knowing it, while others build up exaggerated fears about breath odour even though they do not have it. Halitosis, also termed `oral malodour' is a foul or offensive odour emanating from the oral cavity. It is caused primarily by volatile sulphur compounds specifically hydrogen sulphide and methyl mercaptan which result from bacterial putrefaction of protein containing sulphur amino acids. These products could be involved in the transition from good oral health to gingivitis (inflammation of the gums or gingival) and then to periodontitis (inflammation of supporting tissues of the teeth).
Local source of mouth odour is mainly the tongue. Post nasal drip on the back of the tongue which occurs during sleep can also cause oral malodour in the mornings and can cause throat infections in some cases. A coated tongue is also said to be a cause of halitosis, due to excessive bacterial activity on the tongue. The causes of bad breath can be divided into
Intraoral sources(sources inside the mouth which can cause bad breath)
Extraoral sources(sources outside the mouth or anywhere else in the body).
Intraoral sources include retention of odoriferous food particles on and between the teeth, coated tongue and dehydration states which can cause dryness of mouth leading to oral malodour. caries
Habits like smoking, alcoholism and pan chewing, artificial dentures, insufficient salivary flow, gum problems, post nasal drip on the back of the tongue cause bad breath. Any infections of the respiratory tract like bronchitis, pneumonia can also cause bad breath.
Periodontitis (inflammation of the tissues surrounding the teeth) is one condition if left untreated can cause bad breath from accumulated debris and increased rate of putrefaction of the saliva.
There are many ways to prevent halitosis or oral malodour. Getting teeth cleaned periodically in a dentist's office is one such practice.
Dental flossing along with tooth brushing helps in removing debris from in between the teeth. Using a soft bristled toothbrush on your tongue, taking plenty of liquid, cleaning your mouth after eating or drinking milk products, fish, meat helps. If you are a denture wearer, soak the denture in antiseptic solution overnight.
Chlorhexidine, Listerine and triclosan mouthwashes are available in the market that can be used after consulting your dentist.
Thus halitosis can be prevented by education of people regarding brushing techniques and other oral hygiene aids and motivation of people to make behavioural and habitual changes thereby avoiding unnecessary anxiety and apprehension.
Courtesy : The Hindu
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