Dealing With Bad Breath (Halitosis)

[Chief]

Halitosis, commonly known as bad breath, is a condition that affects a significant portion of the population worldwide. It can be embarrassing and impact social interactions, necessitating the need effectively manage it. While occasional bad breath is normal, persistent halitosis may indicate an underlying issue that requires attention.

What Causes Halitosis?​

Halitosis can be attributed to various causes, including oral hygiene habits, dietary choices, and underlying medical conditions. Here are some causes and predisposing factors:

a) Genetics​

Some people may naturally produce more sulphur compounds in their mouths, contributing to foul breath odour. A mutation in the gene SELENBP1 leads to the absence of the protein that converts the sulphur compound methanethiol.

b) Poor Oral Hygiene​

Failure to brush and floss regularly allows food particles to remain in the mouth, promoting bacterial growth and subsequent odour formation. Anaerobic bacteria will break down the dead cells and food debris in the mouth to produce sulphur containing volatiles/hydrogen sulphide, which is detected as bad breath.

c) Diet and Eating Habits​

Onions, garlic, and certain spicy foods contain volatile compounds that can linger in the mouth and contribute to bad breath. Tobacco products contain chemicals that not only contribute to oral hygiene problems but also leave a distinct and persistent odour in the mouth. Beverages like coffee and alcohol can dry out the mouth, leading to halitosis. Additionally, irregular eating patterns or fasting can lead to dry mouth, exacerbating halitosis.

d) Medical Conditions​

People with underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, UTI, gastro-intestinal issues (e.g. acid reflux), chronic bronchitis, etc, can also suffer from halitosis. In such cases, addressing the underlying condition is essential for effectively managing bad breath.

How to Tell if You Have Bad Breath​

Because people generally tend to be nice, very few will be afront with you if you have bad breath. However, you can ask someone you trust to tell you how bad your breath is. Here are other ways you can test for bad breath:

i) Self-Diagnosis​

You can individually perform a self-assessment to gauge the presence and severity of halitosis. Techniques such as licking the back of the hand and smelling the breath or using a tongue scraper to inspect the coating on the tongue, can provide insight into the issue.

ii) Professional Diagnosis​

For a more accurate diagnosis, you should consult a dental or medical professional. These experts can do thorough examinations, including oral cavity inspections, assessment of medical history, and possibly breath tests, to identify the underlying cause of halitosis.

Natural Remedies for Halitosis​

The surest remedy for halitosis is the elimination/treatment of the cause/underlying condition. Here are some natural remedies you can use to eliminate halitosis.

a) Proper Oral Hygiene​

Includes brushing teeth at least twice a day, flossing daily, cleaning the tongue regularly, and using mouthwash to rinse away bacteria and food particles. You can use apple cider vinegar (two table spoons into a glass of water, gargle in the mouth for at least one minute and spit) or saline water. Oil pulling technique can also be used (swish a spoonful of coconut oil in your mouth for at least five minutes then spit it out. Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which has antimicrobial properties). Make sure to rinse your mouth with clean water thereafter.

b) Hydration​

Drinking an adequate amount of water throughout the day can help prevent dry mouth and reduce the risk of halitosis. Proper hydration will promote production of saliva, which contains lysozyme (antimicrobial) that kills bacteria in the mouth. Saliva also sweeps the mouth to clean the food debris which feed bacteria.

c) Diet Changes​

Making dietary adjustments can also help combat bad breath. Consuming more fruits and vegetables, particularly those high in water content like pineapples and watermelons, can help cleanse the mouth and neutralize odour-causing compounds.

d) Herbal Remedies​

Certain herbs and spices possess natural antimicrobial properties that can neutralize bacteria in the mouth and freshen breath. Examples include parsley, mint, and cloves, which can be chewed or brewed into teas for their beneficial effects. Chewing on twigs of certain trees (e.g. Neem tree) can be quite useful not only for its antimicrobial effect but can also be used as an effective toothbrush.

When to Seek Professional Help for Halitosis?​

If halitosis persists despite practicing good oral hygiene and making lifestyle changes, or if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as gum bleeding or persistent dry mouth, consulting a dental or medical professional is advisable.

In some cases, persistent bad breath may indicate an underlying medical issue, such as respiratory or gastrointestinal problems. Consulting a healthcare professional is recommended for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

How do you deal with bad breath? Share with us by replying to this thread.