By Unity NTUC Healthcare pharmacist, Linda Arockiamaie Cynthia Nathan
We can't really smell our own breath but we can notice other people's reaction. If you open your mouth, and it smells like something died at the back of your throat a while ago, people will back off/cover their noses/turn their heads/offer you gum or mint sweets, and keep their distance. Bad breath and body odour are socially unacceptable, so if you suspect your mouth smells less than sweet, take preventive action while people are still talking to you.
Bad breath, known as halitosis in medical terms, is an unpleasant condition that is a cause for embarrassment for many. For some people, it is a chronic problem, while others may only experience it occasionally. Most people with bad breath may not be aware that they are suffering from this condition, as they have adapted to their own odour through constant exposure.
Stinking facts
Causes of bad breath are usually related to the oral cavity, thus the majority of cases do not present a major medical problem. However, in some instances, halitosis may reflect other underlying conditions that should be screened by a physician.
Oral conditions
Periodontal diseases, including gingivitis and periodontis, are the major contributing risk factors for oral malodour. The majority of cases are due to the accumulation and metabolic activities of bacteria, as a result of inadequate oral hygiene.
Diet
Certain foods, such as garlic and onions, contribute to the objectionable odour. This is because once the food is absorbed into the bloodstream, the volatile portion is transferred to the lungs from which it is expelled. Brushing, flossing and mouth rinses will only mask the odour temporarily. The odour continues until the body eliminates the food. Similarly, 'coffee breath' ensues after one drinks coffee. Also, dieters may develop unpleasant breath from infrequent eating.
Accumulation of bacteria
Faulty dental restorations such as ill-fitting crowns & dentures, may be good sites for accumulation of bacteria. Additionally, particles of food remaining in the mouth tend to promote bacterial growth. As a result of protein metabolism by these bacteria, sulphur-containing gases known as volatile sulphur compounds are produced. Exhaling these gases causes bad breath.
Dry mouth
Saliva is necessary to cleanse the mouth and remove any odour-causing particles. Dry mouth (xerostomia), which occurs when the salivary flow decreases, may be due to certain medications, use of alcohol-containing mouth rinses, severe dehydration, as well as continuous breathing through the mouth. This is the main reason why morning breath is noticeable in many, as salivary flow decreases during sleep, creating temporary xerostomia. This allows the accumulation of bacteria on the back of the tongue. The salivary glands work less effectively as a person ages, which is one of the reasons why the breath tends to worsen with age.
Smoking
Smoking gives rise to bad breath as well, so this is just one of the many reasons why one should quit smoking.
Non-oral conditions
If dental factors cannot be attributed to oral malodour, non oral risk factors should be considered. Well documented non-oral factors for bad breath include nasal conditions, respiratory tract infections, gastrointestinal conditions, diabetes mellitus and liver diseases.
For a start, clean up
Maintaining good oral health is essential to prevent bad breath. This can be achieved through several everyday measures.
- Using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste brush the teeth at least twice a day.
- Brush the posterior part of the tongue with a soft-bristled toothbrush or a tongue scraper. The anterior portion of the tongue is less likely to accumulate bacteria as this part is cleansed every time the person moves it against the hard palate.
- Use dental floss or an interdental brush to clean between teeth at least once a day.
- Mouth washes are generally cosmetic and do not have a long-lasting effect on bad breath. However, non-alcoholic fluoride mouth rinses may be used to prevent tooth decay. Mouth rinses which have alcohol may cause drying of the oral tissues and long-term use may cause sloughing of the oral tissue.
- Remove food stuck on braces, retainers and other oral appliances after meals. Dentures must be cleaned after meals. If brushing after meals is not possible, rinse with water or chew sugarless gum (available from pharmacies).
- If you suffer from dry mouth, chew sugarless gums or apply gels meant for dry mouths.
- Visit the dentist for a check-up every six months.
Supplements might help
Vitamins C and E, selenium, zinc, co-enzyme Q10 and folic acid are useful in preventing and treating periodontis and have a beneficial effect on bad breath.
If the above measures do not eradicate the problem, it is advisable to consult a physician, to explore other non-oral causes for the bad breath.
