The Chemist + Druggists reports:
Poor
oral hygiene is the most common cause of bad breath, also known as
halitosis. The problem affects most people at some time in their lives
(and many people’s breath smells unpleasant when they wake up usually
because their mouth has become dry while they sleep). However, for about
half the population the problem persists. (1)
The
major cause of bad breath is thought to be halitosis-causing bacteria
and food residues at the back and in the furrows of the tongue which are
broken down into volatile sulphur compounds (VSC). (2)
Eating
strongly flavoured food can also result in bad breath. Sometimes the
problem can be related to an illness such as respiratory infections, diabetes, liver or kidney problems or gastritis and food reflux. (1)
Smoking
and some medicines (eg nitrates, phenothiazines and some chemotherapy
drugs) may be responsible for a person’s bad breath.
Because
of the stigma attached to bad breath it’s difficult to ask someone else
whether your breath smells. One way to test it yourself is to lick your
wrist and see if there is a smell when it dries; if there is it’s a
good indication of smelly breath. (1)
Treatment
Combating
bad breath involves a good oral hygiene regime – regularly brushing
teeth and gums; flossing between teeth, and keeping the tongue clean by
brushing or scraping it. (1)
Mouthwash
used just before going to bed can be helpful. The ease of use of
mouthwashes has contributed to the proliferation in the variety
available. Generally they work by providing a temporary competing smell,
by killing bacteria in the mouth or acting on the chemical breakdown
products produced by the bacteria. (2)
Chewing sugar-free gum which helps stimulate the flow of saliva and may help prevent the mouth from drying out. (1)
It’s
also important to visit the dentist once a year when there is a chance
for a thorough ‘deep clean’ of the teeth and to make sure the correct
technique is being used to clean the teeth. (1)
References
1. www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Bad-
2.
Fedorowicz Z, et al. Mouthrinses for the treatment of halitosis.
CochraneDatabase of Systematic Reviews 2008, Issue 4. Art. No.:
CD006701. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD006701.
No comments:
Post a Comment