Bad breath, scientifically known as halitosis, can be embarrassing and often difficult to manage if one doesn't know the underlying cause.
It is a common issue that is faced by many people.
Express Smiles Dental Suite Dr Victor Kinara, in an interview with Star, explored the various reasons behind bad breath and outlined ways to remedy the problem.
According to Dr Kinara, understanding the factors causing bad breath and following proper oral hygiene practices can help maintain fresh breath and boost one's confidence.
Causes
Dr Kinara says bad breath can be caused by normal oral flora, which is usually high in the morning, hence the morning bad breath. He says other causes may be poor oral hygiene.
"Consumption of certain foods like garlic and onions and dry mouth (xerostomia) can also cause bad breath," he said.
"Other factors are the use of tobacco products, health conditions like tonsil stones, chronic sinusitis, and gastrointestinal disorders. Prevention."
Prevention
Dr Kinara said the prevention and treatment of bad breath depends on its cause.
He says brushing and flossing the teeth at least twice a day helps in removing food particles that remain in the mouth.
"Don’t forget to clean your tongue, cheeks, and the roof of your mouth," he said.
Dr Kinara advised one to keep the saliva flowing by eating healthy foods that require chewing, such as carrots and apples.
"You can also chew sugar-free gum or suck on sugar-free candies. If you still don’t have enough saliva to keep your mouth moist, your dentist may suggest artificial saliva," he added.
He also encouraged regular visits to the dentist as they can help in detecting problems like gum disease, infections, and dry mouth.
"If you have persistent bad breath and your dentist can’t find the cause, you may be referred to a physician for further evaluation," he said.
