You may already have bad breath and not even know it.

• Halitosis is breath containing an unpleasant odor. This odor may strike periodically or be persistent, depending on the cause.
• Dental reports in the United States say there are about 40 million Americans who have bad breath. In the Philippines, as in other regions in Asia, the incidence may be 75% or higher for the general population. (Figures vary in different subgroups in the community)
• Halitosis is mainly caused by sulfur-producing bacteria that normally live within the surface of the tongue and in the throat. These bacteria release an unpleasant odor from the mouth that we normally know as bad breath. Halitosis is not infectious.

Symptoms

• Bad-smelling breath
• Bad taste or taste changes
• Dry mouth
• A white coating on the tongue

Causes

• Poor oral hygiene (not brushing and flossing properly)
• Gum disease
• Eating certain food that causes foul breath like onions or garlic
• Tobacco and alcohol products
• Dry mouth (caused by certain medications, medical disorders and by decreased saliva flow during sleep – hence the term “morning breath”)
• Systemic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, liver and kidney disorders

Prevention

Bad breath caused by dental problems can be prevented easily.

• Good oral hygiene – brushing your teeth at least 2 times a day using toothpaste with fluoride, cleaning your tongue and gums, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwashes
• Regular visits to the dentist (at least twice a year)
• Drinking plenty of water every day
• Chewing products that keep breath fresh and prevent plaque from forming- sugar-free gum, sugarless lozenges, raw carrots and celery.

Treatment
The treatment of bad breath depends on its cause. If you have persistent bad breath that is not improved with brushing and flossing, see your dentist for a thorough dental examination as this could indicate a more serious problem.

Visit Healthway Dental now and get your teeth cleaned with a dental check-up and oral prophylaxis.

Sources

www.colgate.co.uk

www.emedicinehealth.com

For more information on dental health, visit www.healthwaydental.com. For more health bulletins, visit www.healthway.com.ph or call our hotline at 751-4929.