HALITOSIS ( BAD BREATH)

Bad breath also known as halitosis is a breath with unpleasant odour of the mouth present on exhaled breath. It is caused by sulphur-producing bacteria that normally live on the surface of the tongue and in the throat. These bacteria break down proteins at a very high rate and release malodorous sulphur compounds from the back of the tongue and throat. 

Halitosis is not infectious. About one in four people are thought to have bad breath (halitosis) on a regular basis.

Bad breath can be an embarrassing problem and in some cases may be a source of anxiety. It has caused otherwise well qualified people to lose employment opportunities, caused job losses, and friendships/marriages to crash. The saying that ‘only your best friend will tell you that your mouth smells, may not be totally true especially in Nigeria. The best they do is to avoid you completely.

 It can be caused by the foods we eat, dry mouth, tobacco products, or a medical disorder. Maintaining proper oral health can help reduce or eliminate bad breath.

CAUSES

Food. The breakdown of food particles in and around your teeth can increase bacteria and cause a foul odor.

Also eating certain foods, such as onions, garlic, or cauliflower and other spices also can cause bad breath. However their effects are shortlived.

Poor dental hygiene. If you don't brush and floss daily, food particles remain in your mouth, causing bad breath. There could also be infection around the teeth (periodontitis). Dentures that are not cleaned regularly or don't fit properly can harbor odor-causing bacteria and food particles.

Dry mouth (xerostomia). Saliva cleanses the mouth, removing particles that may cause bad odors. Xerostomia contributes to bad breath because production of saliva is decreased. Dry mouth occurs during sleep, leading to "morning breath," and is worsened if you sleep with your mouth open. It can be caused by medications, alcohol, stress or a medical condition like sjogrens syndrome.

Smoking. Smoking starves the mouth of oxygen and causes its own unpleasant mouth odor. Smokers and oral tobacco users are also more likely to have gum disease, another source of bad breath

Infections in your mouth. Bad breath can be caused by surgical wounds after oral surgery, such as tooth removal, or as a result of tooth decay, gum disease or mouth sores.

Other mouth, nose and throat conditions.  Infections or chronic inflammation in the nose, sinuses or throat, which can contribute to postnasal drip, also can cause bad breath.

Medications. Some medications can indirectly produce bad breath by contributing to dry mouth. Others can be broken down in the body to release chemicals that can be carried on your breath.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease- reflux of acid and bile from the stomach can be associated with bad breath.

Psychiatric illness — some people may believe they have bad breath, but others do not notice it. This is referred to as "pseudohalitosis’’

Other causes.  Respiratory tract infections, Kidney failure, liver disease, various carcinomas, metabolic dysfunctions, and biochemical disorders, together account for only a very small percentage of halitosis sufferers.

In young children it may be caused by a foreign body, such as a small toy or piece of food, lodged in a nostril.

SYMPTOMS

You may not always know that you have bad breath. That's because odor-detecting cells in the nose eventually get used to the smell. Other people may notice and react by stepping away from you as you speak, or making a face.
The features of halitosis can include:

·       Dry mouth

·       A white coating on the tongue especially at the back of the tongue

·       Morning bad breath and a burning tongue

·       Build up around teeth

·       Post-nasal drip, or mucous

·       Thick saliva and a constant need to clear your throat

·        Sour, bitter metallic taste.

·       Other symptoms are dependent on the specific cause.

Having halitosis can have a major impact on a person. Because of bad breath, other people may back away or turn their heads. This can cause a loss of confidence and self-esteem.

TREATMENT

There is no one treatment for halitosis. The treatment will depend on what is causing the problem.

·       Avoiding dehydration and good oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing, are important.

·       Use of mouthwashes, lozenges and toothpastes can assist in fighting halitosis.

·       Gentle but effective tongue cleaning may also be required. The tongue should be brushed in a gentle manner, from the back towards the front of the tongue.

·       People with chronic sinusitis may find the regular use of a saline nasal spray helpful. A course of an antibiotic, effective against anaerobic bacteria (such as metronidazole, to reduce the overgrowth of sulphur-producing bacteria), may also help.

·       Your dentist might also recommend replacing faulty tooth restorations, which can be a breeding ground for bacteria.

The summary is that speak to your dentist/ doctor to identify the cause of your halitosis and to find the most effective treatment for you.

LIFESTYLE AND HOME REMEDIES

To reduce or prevent bad breath:

Brush your teeth after you eat. Toothpaste with antibacterial properties has been shown to reduce bad breath odors.

Floss at least once a day. Proper flossing removes food particles and plaque from between your teeth, helping to control bad breath. 

Brush your tongue. Can be done carefully using a toothbrush or a tongue scraper.

Clean your dentures or dental appliances.

Avoid dry mouth. To keep your mouth moist, avoid tobacco and drink plenty of water — not coffee, soft drinks or alcohol, which can lead to a drier mouth.

Chew gum or suck on candy — preferably sugarless — to stimulate saliva. For those with chronic dry mouth, your dentist or physician may prescribe an artificial saliva preparation or an oral medication that stimulates the flow of saliva.

Adjust your diet. Avoid food and beverages that can cause bad breath. Avoid sticky, sugary foods.

Regularly get a new toothbrush.

Regular dental checkups. See your dentist on a regular basis — generally once or twice a year — to have your teeth or dentures examined and cleaned.

More recently, two Nigerian teenagers discovered that the use of wall nut gums and mouthwash was of benefit to reduce bad breath. Guess we can say kudos to them.

Do you have a bad breath?

SEE YOUR  DENTIST/DOCTOR.

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