Discover how to fight bad breath with proven tips from Vuković Dental Clinic. Learn more for a healthy and fresh breath.
Bad breath, medically known as halitosis, is an unpleasant but incredibly common oral health issue. In fact, it's estimated that bad breath affects more than 50% of the global population. Yet, many who suffer from halitosis are completely unaware of their condition until someone else points it out, which can often lead to embarrassment. No one wants to be the person with unpleasant breath, but the good news is that it can often be treated and prevented. In this blog post, we'll explore the causes of bad breath, effective remedies, and practical tips for maintaining fresh breath.
Bad breath can be caused by various factors, including poor oral hygiene, dental issues such as cavities or gum disease, dry mouth, certain foods, smoking, medical conditions like sinusitis or diabetes, and even stress. Identifying the underlying cause is essential for effective treatment. However, in more than 80% of cases, we are talking about intraoral causes of bad breath.
The link between oral hygiene and bad breath (halitosis) is direct, being one of the most common causes of bad breath. Here's how oral hygiene and bad breath are interconnected:
Poor oral hygiene leads to the accumulation of plaque and tartar on teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria, and tartar is hardened plaque. This implies that the oral cavity is home to millions of bacteria that use food sugars for their metabolism. When food particles remain in the mouth, these bacteria break down the food, releasing sulfur compounds often responsible for the unpleasant odor associated with bad breath.
Good oral hygiene involves using the correct brushing technique, using soft-bristled brushes and dental floss, and regular tongue cleaning. Additionally, it's necessary to stress the importance of regular dental check-ups where potential causes of halitosis, cavities, and periodontopathy can be timely remedied. This includes regular removal of hard and soft deposits, treating gum inflammation, and treatment of existing periodontal pockets.
We've already discussed the connection between inadequate oral hygiene and bad breath, but it's also important to highlight dental issues such as cavities, gum diseases (gingivitis or periodontitis), and oral infections that can contribute to bad breath. These conditions can produce foul-smelling gases and require dental treatment.
Deep periodontal pockets or gingival pockets are the oral cause of halitosis in 50% of cases. Periodontal pockets represent increased pathological spaces between the gums and teeth. Their causes are rooted in poor oral hygiene and numerous local and systemic factors. One significant cause is the irregular removal of hard deposits, tartar visible on tooth surfaces, and subgingival concretions located below the gum surface in periodontal pockets. Hard deposits that are irregularly removed further retain soft deposits, serving as a reservoir for numerous pathogenic bacteria that destroy periodontal tissue, decompose bone, and further increase the depth of periodontal pockets.
Periodontal pockets over time become spaces filled with pathologically destroyed tissue and numerous bacteria accompanied by the occurrence of unpleasant breath. Preventing the formation and reducing the depth of pockets is achieved by regular dental check-ups, where hard and soft deposits are removed, and possible presence of periodontal pockets is diagnosed and treated with appropriate therapy.
Also, total, partial dentures, or inadequate bridges can be retention sites for food particles and bacteria, contributing to this problem. Hence, it's important to replace all inadequate prosthetic replacements.
Certain foods like garlic, onions, spices, and some dairy products contain compounds that can produce strong odors when broken down in the mouth and digestive system. Coffee and alcoholic beverages can also dry out the mouth and contribute to bad breath.
Smoking and the use of other tobacco products, in addition to increasing the risk of oral diseases, can lead to chronic bad breath.
To prevent bad breath, maintain good oral hygiene by brushing your teeth and tongue twice a day, flossing daily. Stay hydrated, avoid tobacco and alcohol, and regularly visit your dentist for examinations and cleanings. Regular dental check-ups prevent general dental destruction from caries and periodontal pockets, which are among the main causes of halitosis.
Diagnosing the existence of periodontal pockets and determining their depth is achieved with an orthopantomogram and a periodontal probe. The defined depth of periodontal pockets will determine the type of therapy necessary to remedy existing pockets. If the assessed depth of the pockets is up to 5mm, the treatment of choice is causal. It involves ultrasonic removal of hard and soft deposits, as well as curettage of existing pockets with appropriate curettes. If the probing measures pocket depths of over 5mm, the treatment of choice is surgical. Surgical therapy with flap operation (MWRO) involves lifting the flap and directly accessing the contents of the periodontal pocket and compensating for the resorbed bone.
In addition to contributing to bad breath, existing periodontal pockets represent focal points for numerous bacteria that can affect other organ systems such as the heart, kidneys, joints, eyes, locomotor system, etc.
Yes, some foods can help fight bad breath. Crunchy fruits and vegetables such as apples and carrots can help clean the mouth, while yogurt with probiotics can reduce odor-causing bacteria. Consuming green tea and chewing sugar-free gum can also be beneficial.
If you notice that you have chronic bad breath, it's advisable to visit a periodontology and oral medicine specialist. Because in the majority of cases, bad breath is a consequence of periodontopathy. The importance of ultrasonic removal of hard and soft deposits as part of regular dental check-ups prevents bad breath and the onset and development of periodontopathy. Preventing and timely treating periodontopathy not only prevents the occurrence of bad breath but also potential bone destruction and premature tooth loss. In addition, infection foci can spread to distant organs and thus be the cause of various pathologies. The importance of treating periodontal pockets is not only local but also on a systemic level, whether it's causal therapy by curettage or surgical therapy.
One possible cause of unpleasant breath is the presence of Candida albicans infection. In addition to unpleasant breath, it can manifest as white deposits on the tongue, cheek, and palate, a feeling of burning and stinging in the mouth, the appearance of redness, and painful areas. The occurrence of Candida infection is associated with a decrease in immunity or the use of high doses of antibiotics. The treatment of Candida albicans infection involves the use of antifungal therapy (nystatin) in the form of gels or solutions, antiseptic solutions of baking soda or chlorhexidine, eliminating predisposing factors, and treating the general disease if it's the cause of candidiasis. If you notice any symptoms of Candida, see a periodontology and oral medicine specialist who will prescribe appropriate therapy and give appropriate advice.
In some cases, bad breath may be a symptom of underlying health issues such as diabetes, respiratory infections, or gastrointestinal problems. While it's not always a sign of something serious, it's crucial to consult with healthcare professionals if you are concerned about persistent bad breath.
One of the manifestations of diabetes mellitus is an acetone breath odor, while chronic renal insufficiency gives an ammonia odor. Liver cirrhosis is characterized by a sulfur breath odor.
In addition, we can mention respiratory infections, sinusitis, acid reflux (gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD), or tonsillitis.
All solutions and answers to questions about unpleasant breath and periodontopathy therapy can be obtained from the team of the Vuković clinic - dr. spec. periodontology and oral medicine Marija Vuković Stevanov and dr. spec. Blažo Vuković will answer all your questions and doubts. Schedule your appointment in time.
