Some foods give off odors that are released when the bacteria in our mouths break them down. This is what causes bad breath (halitosis) and it is why brushing our teeth, flossing and using mouthwash are so important to good oral health. If we still have bad breath after improving our oral hygiene, it is a sign that something else is wrong and a visit to our dentist or family doctor should be made.입냄새치료비용
A person who suspects that they have halitosis can confirm it themselves by asking someone close to them to smell their breath. This is often enough to make them realize that their halitosis is due to something other than their usual food or drinks. For those who are too shy to ask a friend or loved one, a home testing kit is available which will provide a reliable and confidential test for bad breath.
When we have a cold, tonsillitis, bronchitis or sinus infections our breath can smell bad. It is also normal to have bad breath when we first wake up, called “morning breath,” which usually goes away after we eat and drink or brush our teeth. If we have persistent bad breath, it is a sign of gum disease and should be treated.
If our bad breath is due to our diet, avoiding foods that have strong odors such as garlic and onions will help. Regular brushing, flossing and the use of a tongue scraper will also help as these remove the bacteria on our tongues that can cause bad odors.
Having a regular checkup with our dentists and dental hygienists is important as they will help detect and treat any gum disease that may be causing our bad breath. They will also be able to tell us if there are any other problems such as liver or kidney disease, a dry mouth, acid reflux or an infection that needs treating.
Some medicines can cause our breath to smell, especially if they reduce the amount of saliva we produce. These include nitrates used to treat angina, some chemotherapy chemicals and some tranquilizers. Having diabetes that is not well controlled can also cause a build-up of ketones in the blood which gives our breath a fruity or nail polish smell.해우소한의원
In the majority of cases, improved oral hygiene will cure bad breath. If it persists, we recommend that you see your family doctor or a specialist to identify the cause and treat it. It is very important that we not ignore a problem like this as untreated bad breath can lead to more serious health conditions such as liver or kidney disease, bronchitis, pneumonia and diabetes. It is also a risk factor for heart disease and stroke.