Combatting Bad Breath: Prevention and Causes Unveiled

The pandemic era that necessitated virtual meet-ups is long past. Now that we are expected to make physical meetings for personal or official requirements it is time to get the focus on an obvious issue. That is bad breath. Research published in the journal Chemical Senses also points in this direction. It suggests that odors can influence interpersonal interactions. Thus handling the problem of bad breath is significant in making good relations around your circle. Bad breath or Halitosis is a condition that results from multiple reasons ranging from poor oral hygiene to gastrointestinal problems that result in irregular digestion. As it is indeed a symptom of many underlying problems it is important to understand possible causes to take the right preventive measures.

There are affordable dental clinics in Abu Dhabi that you can approach for knowledgeable assistance. However, the following insights could be helpful for personal care.

Halitosis: Major Causes

The most underlying cause is the proliferation of bacteria. Millions of bacteria that reside on teeth, gums, and tongues work on food remnants to break it down. As a result of this process, foul-smelling volatile sulphur compounds (VSCs) are formed. The primary VSCs that cause this smell include hydrogen sulphide, methyl mercaptan, and dimethyl sulphide. The causes for this bacteria accumulation are:

• Poor Oral Hygiene: According to research published in the Journal of Breath Research poor oral hygiene arising from inadequate brushing and flossing is a leading reason that causes bacterial growth in the mouth.
• Dry Mouth: Also known as Xerostomia this is a condition in which the mouth gets dry due to reduced saliva flow. This is an ideal environment for the proliferation of bacteria in the mouth.
• Tobacco Use: This is an extension of Xerostomia in which smoking dries out the mouth causing bacterial growth.
• Orthodontic Appliances: If the orthodontic appliance is poorly fitted it can trap food remnants in between the metal wires. As a result, a conducive environment for bacterial growth is formed.

As is evident these reasons for bacterial formation result in bad breath.

Bad Breath: Other Causes

• Gum Disease: Research data such as the one published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology gives testimony to the role of gum diseases such as Gingivitis and Periodontitis as significant contributors to halitosis.
• Medical Conditions: Respiratory infections, sinusitis, liver disease, kidney failure, and gastrointestinal disorders are some other causes of halitosis.
• Dieting and fasting: Prolonged fasting results in the breaking down of fats for energy. Ketones, the acidic compounds produced during this process accumulate in the bloodstream. Later it is excreted through breath. As it has a distinctive acetone-like odor it results in bad breath. Since dry mouth is a consequence of excessive fasting the condition of halitosis is further aggravated.

Preventive Strategies

• Good Oral Hygiene: Brush teeth and tongue twice a day. Flossing is also a recommended practice. Since there are enough affordable dental clinic in Abu Dhabi getting professional help once in a while is also advisable.
• Stay Hydrated: As is obvious hydration keeps the mouth wet with enough saliva. Thus bacterial growth can be prevented.
• Regular Dental Check-up: Underlying oral health issues such as gum diseases and tooth decay that could eventually result in bad breath can be checked by a regular check-up.

Also, keep in mind that if the situation persists even after basic hygienic practice it is important to consult a gastroenterologist to rule out issues such as gastroesophageal reflux disease and metabolic disorders. Even though this is a necessity the first person to consult should be a dentist considering the apparent origin of bad breath that is the mouth. In case of causes other than dental issues, a dentist with a wide range of experience can also recommend you to the right specialist who could cure the condition.

Shield Medical Center with its qualified dental doctors will be a wise decision looking from this perspective. As the most affordable dental clinic in Abu Dhabi, we provide faster diagnosis in minimal consultations.