Mouth odour: 3 common causes and simple solutions

Halitosis is the medical term for what we all know as mouth odour or having a bad breath. Unfortunately, people with mouth odour might not be aware. Meanwhile, it can be very sensitive to call the attention of people to this issue.

I think mouth odour might top the chat of most complicated health issues. A problem the bearer might not even know is existing. Disastrous odour that have broken relationships and businesses. As I am writing this article, I was trying to perceive my own breath, one can not be too careful. Before we go into details, I will be sharing my experience.

I was leaving my office late in the evening and moving towards an alley. I noticed a blond lady, not more than 5 feet, she looks very pretty. I walked up to her to exchange pleasantries, you know what they say; this life is too short not to have company. I greeted her and she gave me a polite response.

I didn’t notice anything at first, perhaps, because of her physique. However, when we continued with our discourse, I perceived a sour odour coming from her direction. Well, I didn’t read too much meaning to it then. But when we got to know each other better, I noticed one thing; the pretty blond girl had bad breath!!!

How do I tell her that I am not comfortable whenever we are discussing in close proximity? What if she took it in a bad light. I had to wait for months, become closer before I could diplomatically inform her. I assume this scenario would have played out with a lot of people out there, well don’t be fettered up because we are going to know more about this issue.

Halitosis or mouth odour

Sometimes what we know as bad breath or what some medical practitioners call malodor is a symptom in which a noticeable odour exudes from the mouth. This odour is unpleasant in nature and calls for timely attention. Funny enough, it is actually difficult informing the person with halitosis; because he has absolutely no idea his breath is bad!! It’s strange, right?

Causes of Halitosis

Well, research has it that bad breath can be caused by various factors and can also be treated.

1. Poor hygiene

Most individuals that have bad breath have very poor dental hygiene. Dentists highly recommend we brush our teeth twice daily to keep good hygiene. My question, however, is how many of us do this? Most of us just do the morning ritual and speed off to our destination. This is wrong!

Also, we should endeavour to change our toothbrush once in three months, this is to obtain optimum performance. In addition, our toothpaste must also be of good quality because low quality floral endangered our gums. Lastly, we should make sure we brush our tongues and gums. Our gums and tongues provide free accommodation to some germs.

It is important to know that brushing our teeth in rush will most likely end up being ineffective. Aproko Doctor passed this warning on Twitter. He said we should endeavour to brush for about three minutes on average. In his professional opinion, this will enable the toothpaste fight germs effectively. Meanwhile, when I thought about it, it makes total sense.

2. Bad eating habits

We should avoid too much sugar-coated candies and sweets at all cost. This is because they endanger out teeth and gums. Particles from the candies and sweets pams on the gums for a long period of time and this encourage dental bacteria to harm the dental cavity. In my opinion, it’s safest to eat my candies where I will be able to brush within 4hours. I will find it really hard to totally abstain from candies.

3. Tobacco and Alcohol

Individuals who engage in smoking tobacco should desist from it. Moreso, new discoveries confirmed that nicotine in tobacco endangers the teeth and ultimately leads to mouth odour. A good percentage of individuals with bad breath have a history of taking tobacco or cigarette that contains nicotine. Bingers and heavy drinkers should also watch what they take, as some alcoholic drinks leave much to be desired in the mouth cavity.

Treatment for Mouth Odour

1. Consistent brushing

The most obvious and common treatment of halitosis is daily brushing of the teeth. Now dentist have made it known that we must brush our teeth twice every day. Dentists also recommend that our toothbrush should be changed monthly and we should use good dental paste for optimum performance. Brushing of teeth should take place early in the morning before dinner and late in the night before we retire to bed.

2. Mouthwashes

It is also highly recommended for people with halitosis to use mouthwashes. These mouthwashes will go a long way in killing the bacteria in the gums and enamels. Mouthwashes should be used once daily, preferably, early in the morning. There are various mouthwashes recommended by dentist, they are cetylpyridinium chloride, zinc chloride and triclosan.

3. Abstinence

Total abstinence from tobacco smoking should be strictly adhered to because most germs from this tobacco get stuck in the gums and cause bad breath. Also, those with halitosis should quit drinking or reduce it to the barest minimum and drink plenty water.

4. Sugar gums and candies

Chewing of sugar-free gums and eating lot of sugar-free candies can be of assistance to someone with halitosis and this will stimulate the production of saliva in the mouth and this saliva will make the mouth moist will l drastically reduce bad breath and wash away the germs.

5. Denture cleaning

Individuals using artificial teeth what is known as removable dentures, please we need to remove it daily and clean it properly before we put them on again, we must never attempt to use cleaned removable dentures more than 24 hours.

6. Dentist

We must constantly and regularly pay a visit to our dentist and they will be able to monitor the progress of our dental problems and will be able to provide adequate medical solutions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, next time you see someone with bad breath, you can help out, they will be grateful! If it goes south, walk away with your shoulders touching the sky.