Can Bad Breath Be a Symptom of More Serious Health Problems?
Bad breath, also called halitosis, can be embarrassing and cause significant psychological distress. But it can also be a sign of an underlying health problem that requires medical treatment.
Keeping a food log can help your dentist determine what is causing your bad breath. Make a list of any medications you take, too, as some drugs can produce mouth odors.
Gum Disease
Bad breath is one of the most common symptoms of gum disease. This condition causes a buildup of bacteria on the teeth and gums.
Early-stage gum disease, called gingivitis, is easily treated. Brushing and flossing twice a day, regular visits to your dentist and good oral hygiene habits can keep gum disease at bay and freshen breath at the same time.
But if left untreated, periodontitis can spread and lead to tooth loss and jawbone deterioration. The condition can be spotted in its earliest stages by the red, puffy and bleeding gums that show up during a dental check-up. 입냄새 한의원
Periodontitis is a serious problem that deserves immediate treatment, because it can cause irreversible damage to the teeth and bone. It’s also a risk factor for heart disease.
Bad Breath – Bacteria
Bacteria are naturally present in your mouth and work to protect your teeth and gums from decay, but also help with the breakdown of food. Some strains are good for you, and some cause problems.
It’s estimated that there are over 700 different types of bacteria in the oral microbiome (the balance between them is important for a healthy mouth). Some aid digestion and promote health, while others are harmful.
Bad breath is a result of these different bacteria growing together and creating odour-producing gases. They can form in the pits of the tongue and at the back of the throat.
Brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing and using antibacterial mouthwash will reduce the amount of bacteria. Regularly replacing your toothbrush and tongue scraper will also improve your oral hygiene.
Other things that can contribute to bad breath include alcohol, certain medications, sleeping positions and various medical conditions. Dry mouth, which is caused by not producing enough saliva, also causes bad breath.
Poor Oral Hygiene
Poor oral hygiene, especially the lack of brushing and flossing, is a major cause of bad breath. Food particles and bacteria left on teeth and gums collect, causing odor-causing bacteria to multiply and grow.
The odor from mouth bacteria is transferred to the nose and throat through the bloodstream, where it is absorbed into the body. This can cause a foul-smelling odor that doesn’t go away.
If you have bad breath, see your dentist and make sure that you’re practicing good oral hygiene. Oral hygiene is essential for preventing cavities and tooth decay. Keeping up with your dental visits can help your dentist diagnose and treat problems early before they get worse.
Bad Breath – Medical Conditions
Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is a common problem that can be a sign of a more serious health issue. Often, it can be traced to an oral health or medical condition that requires a visit to your dentist or primary care doctor.
Tonsillitis, for example, can lead to a buildup of food debris, mucus and dead cells that can form tonsil stones or calcify to produce a sulfuric breath odor. Nasal problems, including post-nasal drip and chronic inflammation, can also produce a bad breath odor.
Another common bad breath cause is acid reflux, also known as GERD, which causes the stomach acids to back up into your esophagus, throat and mouth. Bowel obstructions, a condition where something blocks the flow of waste through the intestines, can cause breath to smell like feces. 구취원인
Certain cancers, metabolic disorders and some medications can also produce a distinctive mouth odor. Patients who suffer from diabetes, for example, may experience a condition called ketoacidosis, which is caused by low insulin levels that can lead to fat breakdown and the production of ketones. This can resemble the bad breath odor of ammonia.