Surely you know someone who has bad breath or has even smelled an unpleasant odor coming out of their own mouth. This problem affects a large portion of the population and is sometimes related to health problems. Are we going to learn more about the subject?
→ What is bad breath?
Bad breath, also called halitosis, can be defined as an odor that leaves the oral cavity. Normally this odor is released the moment a person speaks, but even the simple act of breathing can lead to the release of the stench.
→ What are the causes of bad breath?
Bad breath has several causes, the best known being the poor mouth hygiene. The accumulation of food and even oral epithelium causes bacteria release smelly compounds. In addition to poor hygiene, we can mention problems such as gingivitis, dry mouth and dentures that do not fit perfectly in the mouth.
After we sleep, it is also common for the bad smell to occur, which is called morning halitosis. This is because, while we sleep, the amount of saliva released decreases and accumulation occurs. of food and mouth epithelium, which decompose due to the presence of bacteria.
Some people have bad breath between meals, a condition called halitosis from hunger. The mechanism for the emergence of this type of halitosis is not well known, but many researchers believe that it is the same as for morning halitosis.
Both morning halitosis and hunger halitosis can be resolved quite simply. In the case of morning halitosis, a simple brushing of teeth helps to reduce the odor. Hunger halitosis, on the other hand, can be controlled by eating.
There is also halitosis caused by the ingestion of aromatic products such as garlic and onions. The odor of these foods can become impregnated in the mouth or be released in the breath after the product is digested. Some medications, such as antibiotics, can also trigger the problem.
It is a mistake to think that bad breath only occurs as a consequence of mouth problems, despite being the most common type. Gastrointestinal ulcers, diabetes, cirrhosis and stress are some of the problems that can be cited as triggers of bad breath.
Proper mouth hygiene can reduce bad breath
→ Does bad breath cause any harm to health?
Bad breath is not a disease, but rather a problem that indicates something is wrong with your body. Therefore, it does not directly affect a person's health, but is being caused by some factor that is causing an imbalance in the body.
It is worth noting that bad breath can affect a person's psychological health, since the odor released by the mouth can drive away friends and make new relationships difficult. It is common for a person with halitosis to feel sad and develop antisocial behavior.
→ What can you do to prevent bad breath?
When bad breath is temporary, that is, it is caused by some food, sleep or hunger, the problem can be easily solved. In these cases, it is essential that the teeth are brushed properly, that the tongue is clean and that floss is always used. Eating at the right time and avoiding foods that release odor are also steps that can be taken.
Many people still resort to ingesting candy and gum. The problem with this habit is that it solves halitosis only at first. Depending on the product used, bacteria may multiply even further in the mouth cavity.
When bad breath occurs as a result of a more serious disease, such as diabetes, it is important to look for a doctor so that he can give you the most recommended medication. Without addressing the cause, it is impossible to solve the problem.
By Ma. Vanessa dos Santos
