Bad breath

What is bad breath?

Bad breath, also known as halitosis, can be extremely annoying and cause constant discomfort, especially in social interactions.

The possible causes of bad breath are varied and include factors such as the food we eat, dry mouth or the use of tobacco products.

Some foods, especially those with an intense flavor, such as garlic and onions, can leave a bad taste in the mouth after consumption.

In such cases, using alcohol-free mouthwashes or mouthwashes can help reduce bad breath.

Also, eating fresh fruits and vegetables that have a cleansing effect on the oral cavity can help eliminate bad breath.

Dry mouth is also one of the common causes of bad breath. Saliva plays an important role in reducing bacteria in the mouth that can cause bad breath.

If your mouth is dry, you can turn to alcohol-free mouthwashes or look into medications that stimulate saliva production.

Tobacco products, such as cigarettes or cigars, can leave an intense and unpleasant breath. In addition to this, tobacco products are associated with a number of other diseases of the oral cavity and respiratory system.

Quitting tobacco use can improve not only your breath, but also your overall health.

It is important to note that bad breath can also be a symptom of some disease or problem in the body.

Some of these include mouth infections, sinus problems, esophagus or even gastrointestinal problems.

In these cases, it is advisable to consult your dentist or doctor so that a detailed assessment of the causes of bad breath can be carried out and appropriate treatment can be found.

Oral health is essential to reducing or completely eliminating bad breath.

Symptoms of halitosis (bad breath)

Many people do not even know that they have bad breath or that its symptoms are only temporary. The smell often depends on the source or cause of the bad breath.

Some of the more common symptoms are:

• Bad smell when opening the mouth;
• Bad or sour taste or taste change in the mouth;
• Dry mouth;
• The surface of the tongue is covered with a thin white layer.

When to seek medical attention?

Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential to prevent bad breath, but in some cases the cause may be more complex and requires professional consultation.

If after implementing proper oral hygiene you still face the problem, it is recommended to consult a dentist. They are trained to diagnose and treat various causes of bad breath.

Also, it is important to pay attention to bad breath in babies or young children. This could be a sign of an infection or an undiagnosed disease.

In such cases, it is advisable to consult your attending physician or dentist in order to make a detailed assessment of the child’s condition.

Having fresh breath is an important part of our overall hygiene and self-esteem. If the problem persists, do not hesitate to seek professional help so that you can find the best solution for your oral hygiene and health.

Halitosis treatment

Maintaining good oral hygiene is in most cases all that is needed to get rid of bad breath. For this purpose you must:

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day with toothpaste
• If possible, brush your teeth after every meal
• Wash your tongue when you brush your teeth using the other side of the toothbrush.
• Change your toothbrush every 2-3 months</strong >
• Clean the interdental spaces regularly with dental floss, being very careful to avoid damaging the gums.
• It is recommended that you you have preventive dental examinations at least twice a year, as the health fund partially covers one preventive dental examination and you pay BGN 1.80 for it, and for the second one you will have to pay in full, which is BGN 7.50, as it is not included in the package of health activities guaranteed by the budget of the NHIF.
• Gradually limit cigarettes, and your ultimate goal should be to stop them completely
• Keep your mouth moist by drinking enough fluids.
• Avoid foods like onions and garlic that cause bad breath
• Chewing sugar-free gum and sugar-free candy stimulates saliva production, which helps reduce bad breath.
• Mouthwash provides a temporary mask for bad breath, but not is able to remove the root cause of it.
• Chewing peppermint also temporarily removes bad breath
• Baking soda is a great tool for cleaning teeth and keeping breath fresh. For fresher breath, sprinkle some baking soda on a damp toothbrush and brush your teeth.
• Eat fresh vegetables like carrots and celery, which remove plaque and your mouth starts to it smells nice.
• Cheese also removes plaque and bad breath, so you can eat low-fat cheese for breakfast to keep your breath fresh
• Chew the seeds of aromatic spices such as cloves, cardamom and fennel after meals, as the seeds contain strong antimicrobial substances that eliminate bad breath.