What is Bad Breath? Why Does It Happen?

What is Bad Breath? Why Does It Happen?

Halitosis, also known as halitosis, is a problem that disturbs the person and can become embarrassing. The reason for the odors in the mouth is mostly due to incomplete oral hygiene. However, if the bad odor persists for a long time after cleaning the mouth, this may indicate that this situation is caused by different disorders. In such cases, the priority is to identify and treat the factors that cause the problem.

It is known that bad breath, which usually occurs in the morning in most people, is considered physiologically normal. As a result of the accumulation of food consumed in the evening on the tongue, the person may experience this odor in the morning. This problem disappears with mouth cleaning and tooth brushing. However, in long-lasting cases and in case of dental problems, the person should see a dentist and take precautions against dental diseases that may occur.

What are the Causes of Bad Breath?

The most important reason for the odors occurring in the mouth is due to lack of oral hygiene and care or poor oral hygiene. In addition, dental health problems are also known to cause bad odors. Odors can also develop depending on the foods consumed and the lifestyle of the person.
Daily oral and dental care is also very important for health. Failure to brush, floss and gargle can cause food to remain in the mouth and cause odor over time. In addition, dentures should also be cleaned properly. If this is not done, odor is inevitable.
Some mouthwashes can help reduce these odors. Bad odors that persist for a long time may be caused by gum problems. When it is caused by this condition, it should be treated. When left untreated, some problems that develop due to gum problems can harm the person. In this case, the jaw and teeth are affected.
There are many problems that can cause this situation. The causes of bad breath can be listed as follows:

  • Fungus that can occur in the mouth
  • Tooth decay
  • Sinusitis
  • Inflammation of the tonsils
  • Stomach and intestinal problems
  • Prolonged fasting
  • Alcohol consumption
  • Cigarette smoking
  • Dry mouth
  • Diabetes
  • Kidney problems

Which Diseases are Symptoms of Bad Breath?

Although this condition is seen as a health problem, it is not seen as a disease. However, it can be a harbinger and symptom of many diseases. Bad odors that may occur depending on the food consumed are also considered normal. This situation, which may develop due to some disorders, can be a harbinger of many diseases.
The conditions that may occur as a result of the occurrence of this problem, which can be seen in the formation of a number of diseases, are as follows:

  • Tooth decay
  • Pharyngitis
  • Adenoid disorders
  • Throat diseases
  • Digestive system problems
  • Systemic diseases such as renal failure
  • Diabetes

Especially in diabetes (sugar) patients, an odor specific to this disease occurs.

How to Diagnose Bad Breath and Related Diseases?

In cases that develop due to problems in the gums, the person can go to the dentist and be examined. The physician determines the diagnosis of the disease and performs the treatment. In these cases, the odors that develop in these cases may be in situations that can disturb not only the person but also the people around him.
Determining the underlying causes of the odor is very important in terms of how the treatment process will proceed. Dental caries can be detected by dental examination and some imaging techniques (such as X-rays). In addition, gum problems can be diagnosed by examination.
In order to determine the different conditions that may cause bad odors in the mouth, an examination is performed first, while a number of different blood tests and examinations may be requested for later.

Bad Breath Treatment

The most important reason for the formation of odor can often be due to the lack of oral hygiene and oral hygiene. In such cases, dental floss and antibacterial mouthwashes may be recommended.
Brushing one's teeth regularly also helps to prevent these odors. Teeth that should be brushed 2 or 3 times a day should be done for about 2-3 minutes. Excessive brushing can damage the gums and cause some bleeding.
In addition to dental care, bacteria accumulated on the tongue during the day can also be cleaned with a tongue cleaning brush produced for cleaning bacteria that may form on the tongue. Dentures should be removed before going to sleep and cleaned in the morning before being worn.
This problem can also occur when water consumption is low. Since drinking water triggers saliva production, it helps to eliminate bacteria that may form in the mouth.
This problem, which is also common in smokers, is the most important factor in terms of treatment is the person's quitting smoking.
While tooth decay or infections in the gums can cause bad odors, these problems can be eliminated with the treatment methods applied by the dentist. Dental calculus is also another factor that plays a role in the formation of odor. It is recommended to have tartar cleaned once a year. Another recommendation for healthy people is to have an oral and dental examination twice a year.
However, if these conditions are corrected, the underlying causes should be investigated and the treatment process should be determined, as long-term persistent odor in the person may be due to different reasons.

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CreatorNP Istanbul Hospital Editorial Board
Updated At05 March 2024
Created At08 December 2022
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