What is halitosis and when does it appear?
Halitosis is the medical term for persistent bad breath. Causes related to oral health problems are caries, periodontal disease, accumulation of bacteria on the tongue or dry mouth condition. It may also be due to respiratory infections, smoking, the consumption of certain foods or beverages or general health problems such as diabetes and digestive pathologies .
It is very important that the patient with halitosis goes to the dentist to check that all teeth and the state of the gums is correct. We know that tooth decay can lead to the accumulation of food debris in places that are difficult to clean, resulting in decay and bad breath. On the other hand, gum disease can cause halitosis because the bacteria that accumulate in the gums release foul-smelling compounds.
How to eliminate halitosis?
If the origin of Halitosis is oral, we should perform an examination and x-rays to detect teeth with caries and measure the accumulation of bacterial plaque on teeth and gums. To eliminate caries, the affected part of the tooth will have to be cleaned and reconstructed with composite, ceramic or zirconia depending on the tooth erosion.. To remove bacterial plaque from the dental surface, we must first perform a good hygiene and, if we observe that there is plaque below the gums, we will perform a gum study to measure the depth and remove it by performing scaling and root planing (deep cleaning with anesthesia). In the cleaning session, the patient will be explained how to correctly brush their teeth, gums and tongue, establishing good oral care habits and establishing regular hygiene protocols, thus avoiding the accumulation of bacterial plaque and the consequent bad breath.
Foods that can cause halitosis and we can try to avoid are the following:
- Garlic and onions: have sulfur compounds that can reach the blood and be released through respiration.
- Coffee and alcohol: can cause dry mouth and contribute to bad breath.
- Spicy foods: they can temporarily accentuate the bad odor.
- Dairy products: milk and cheese can leave residues in the mouth that favor the growth of bacteria that cause bad breath.
- Meat and fish: if remains are left between the teeth they can cause bad odor due to bacterial decomposition.
In addition, we advise patients with halitosis to stop smoking to improve both their breath and their general health.
Here are some natural products that can help fight halitosis:
- Parsley: Chewing fresh parsley can help freshen breath due to its antimicrobial properties.
- Green tea: drinking green tea can help fight odor-causing bacteria in the mouth.
- Ginger: Fresh ginger can help stimulate saliva production, which can help fight dry mouth and reduce bad breath.
- Plain yogurt: Unsweetened plain yogurt can help balance bacteria in the mouth and reduce bad breath.
- Lemon: Rinsing your mouth with lemon water can help neutralize odors and freshen breath.
Some pharmacological principles that can help fight halitosis include:
- Mouth antiseptics: mouthwashes containing ingredients such as chlorhexidine, triclosan or cetylpyridinium chloride can reduce bacteria in the mouth that cause bad breath.
- Mouth deodorants: some mouthwashes contain compounds that neutralize odors, such as zinc chloride or stannous chloride.
- Saliva stimulants: medications that stimulate saliva production, such as chewing gum or lozenges with xylitol, can help combat dry mouth, which in turn can reduce bad breath.
Thus, halitosis can be treated and controlled with some simple measures, such as brushing teeth and tongue regularly, flossing, mouthwash and visiting the dentist periodically for check-ups and cleanings. At the same time, stay well hydrated and avoid foods with strong odors. If bad breath persists, it is important to consult an oral health professional to identify and treat the underlying cause.
