How can I get rid of bad odour?
Dear Dentist, for close to a year now, I have a bad smell coming out of my mouth. I have tried using mouthwash and sugar-free chewing gum, but it has not worked. What could be the cause and how can I be helped?
Julius M, Mityana
Julius, bad breath is a condition many people have experienced including children. If you have noticed that your breath is not so pleasant, there is hope that it will be solved. When it comes to bad breath in children, most of the time, improper oral hygiene is the culprit, while for grownups, it is due to a number of reasons.
These include:
Poor oral hygiene. If you do not brush teeth frequently, bad breath can result. If plaque is not brushed away, it can irritate the gums, causing additional issues.
The tongue can also harbour bacteria that produce foul odours and bad breath, so make sure you brush your tongue as well. Close monitoring works best in children.
Cavities in teeth. If you have holes in your teeth, food gets stuck in there and once it rots, it will cause a bad breath.
Dry mouth. Saliva helps to cleanse the mouth. When your mouth is producing less saliva than normal, a condition known as xerostomia may occur, and this will eventually contribute to bad breath.
Mouth breathing. When one breathes through his or her mouth (due to a stuffy nose or as a sleep habit), it prevents saliva from washing away bacteria, and this promotes bad breath.
Infections in the mouth. Bad breath can also be a result of cavities, plaque build-up and mouth sores.
Certain foods. If you consume foods such as garlic, onions or specific spices that have a strong odour, it can impact the freshness of your breath.
Medications. Sometimes, the way medication breaks down in the body can lead to bad breath. This process releases chemicals that may result in bad breath.
Getting rid of the problem
Healthy teeth are integral to everyone’s overall health and wellbeing. You can help yourself avoid bad breath by developing an oral care routine.
Brush twice a day with recommended fluoride toothpaste to promote fresh breath.
Teeth with cavities should be properly filled with the appropriate dental cement.
Once in a while, introduce flossing as this will help remove odour-causing food particles from the teeth.
Remember to get a new toothbrush every few months (at most three months), because dull bristles cannot effectively remove plaque and debris from the teeth.
Avoid halitosis and other oral health concerns by scheduling regular checkups and professional cleaning with a dentist.
Regardless of the cause of bad breath, teaching yourself how to form good dental care habits is vital. Always consult your dental healthcare provider for the best remedies.
Self medication is not a good practice and is totally discouraged.
The writer is a dentist
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