Oral Malodor: You Don't Have To Be Embarrassed Anymore
Oral Malodor: You Don't Have to Be Embarrassed Anymore
Oral malodor, also known as halitosis and commonly referred to as bad breath, is an embarrassing odor that emerges from the mouth and is easily detected by others. Surprisingly, some people with bad breath might not even know they have a problem.1 A primary source for oral malodor is the tongue, home to bacteria stored inside all of its grooves and cracks. When particles of food aren't completely removed from the mouth, they collect bacteria on the tongue and around the gums.2 These bacteria feed on the food and protein material in the mouth, as well as their byproducts.2 A possible result–bad breath.
The foods you eat affect how your breath smells, because what you eat affects the air you exhale.3 After being absorbed into the blood stream, some of the components of foods are transferred into the lungs, where they're expelled when you breathe. Ingredients such as garlic, for example, contribute to bad breath odor.3 The objectionable odors may linger until your body naturally eliminates those foods' components.4
Halitosis: A condition of having foul-smelling breath.
There are other reasons why oral malodor can occur. Chronic dry mouth can cause oral malodor because saliva is necessary to clean the mouth and remove particles that may cause bad breath.4 Bad breath may also be caused by a medical condition, such as respiratory infections, diabetes, or gastrointestinal disturbance.4
It's Not Just You
Oral malodor can happen to anyone, so keep in mind the various things you can do–or avoid–to prevent bad breath. What is going on in your mouth and what actions you take can affect your breath.
ODOR-CAUSING OFFENDERS
- Poor oral hygiene
- Periodontal disease
- Tongue coating
- Food impaction
- Unclean dentures
- Faulty crowns, bridges, and fillings
- Tobacco
- Medications (several drugs produce dry mouth as a side effect)
- Diet
- Systemic illness, including gastrointestinal disorders
ORAL MALODOR DEFENDERS
- Make and keep routine dental appointments for cleaning and check-ups.
- Follow your dental professional's instructions for daily brushing, flossing, and rinsing.
- Use an antibacterial toothpaste.
- Take special care of any dental restorations, appliances, or prosthetics.
- Consult your dentist or hygienist if you experience dry mouth.
- Take good care of your overall health.
Your Dental Professional Can Help
Regular oral hygiene cleanings can keep your mouth as fresh and clean as possible.5 Remember to make–and keep –regular appointments with your dentist and dental hygienist.
Bad Breath? Your dentist may refer you to your primary care physician to determine if the cause is from a medical problem.
Having your teeth professionally cleaned on a regular basis may significantly reduce halitosis. The dentist and hygienist remove deposits on teeth above and below the gum line that harbor bacteria, and also may advise you about diet to help control bad breath.4 If your dentist determines that the cause of your bad breath is gum disease, you may need a specialized periodontal cleaning to remove the odor-causing bacteria and plaque.5
If after a routine examination and cleaning you still experience bad breath–even though your mouth is considered healthy– the cause may be a medical disorder. 1,3 In such instances, your dentist may refer you to your primary care physician to determine if the cause is from a medical problem.1,3,4
If Bad Breath Happens to You, Here's What You Can Do
Thoroughly brush your teeth. Make sure you brush at least twice a day–soon after waking and right before you go to sleep. Using baking soda toothpastes can reduce the sulfur compounds in your mouth and help reduce bad breath.6 When brushing your teeth, make sure you gently brush your tongue as well; brushing your tongue releases tiny particles that cling to the tongue's surface.2,3
Flossing is another way to rid your mouth of small food particles. Make sure you floss at least twice a day in conjunction with brushing; flossing after every meal can help reduce the presence of odor-causing residue.4
6 Simple Steps to Sweet Breath Sensations
- Use over-the-counter mouthwashes.
- Use an antibacterial toothpaste.
- Eat sensibly.
- Drink plenty of liquids.
- Reduce stress levels.
- Chew sugar-free gum and/or use sugar-free mints.
Morning Breath?
Oral malodor (bad breath) is most intense when your mouth goes through a long period of reduced salivary flow and an absence of food and water. This means your breath is usually at its worst in the morning.7
Morning breath, as it is commonly referred to, doesn't always mean that you have a chronic oral malodor or halitosis problem. As your body runs out of carbohydrate food sources during the night, it breaks down proteins, a process that contributes to the growth of bacteria in the mouth. The breakdown of protein and growth of bacteria cause morning breath. Most of the time morning breath will disappear after breakfast and thorough toothbrushing, flossing, and tongue brushing or scraping.4
WHAT FOODS AND DRINKS CAUSE BAD BREATH?
- Protein rich foods
- Cookies, candy
- Alcoholic beverages
- Coffee and tea
- Acidic foods
Reprints
If you would like to print additional copies of this piece log on to our Web site, www.contemporaryoralhygieneonline.com. You can also personalize copies for your practice on a variety of oral hygiene topics.
References are available at the Contemporary Oral Hygiene Web site.
Disclaimer
The content of this guide is for information purposes only. It does not substitute for the dentist's professional assessment based on the individual patient's case.
Oral Malodor: You Don't Have to Be Embarrassed Anymore
Oral malodor, also known as halitosis and commonly referred to as bad breath, is an embarrassing odor that emerges from the mouth and is easily detected by others. Surprisingly, some people with bad breath might not even know they have a problem.1 A primary source for oral malodor is the tongue, home to bacteria stored inside all of its grooves and cracks. When particles of food aren't completely removed from the mouth, they collect bacteria on the tongue and around the gums.2 These bacteria feed on the food and protein material in the mouth, as well as their byproducts.2 A possible result–bad breath.
The foods you eat affect how your breath smells, because what you eat affects the air you exhale.3 After being absorbed into the blood stream, some of the components of foods are transferred into the lungs, where they're expelled when you breathe. Ingredients such as garlic, for example, contribute to bad breath odor.3 The objectionable odors may linger until your body naturally eliminates those foods' components.4
Halitosis: A condition of having foul-smelling breath.
There are other reasons why oral malodor can occur. Chronic dry mouth can cause oral malodor because saliva is necessary to clean the mouth and remove particles that may cause bad breath.4 Bad breath may also be caused by a medical condition, such as respiratory infections, diabetes, or gastrointestinal disturbance.4
It's Not Just You
Oral malodor can happen to anyone, so keep in mind the various things you can do–or avoid–to prevent bad breath. What is going on in your mouth and what actions you take can affect your breath.
ODOR-CAUSING OFFENDERS
- Poor oral hygiene
- Periodontal disease
- Tongue coating
- Food impaction
- Unclean dentures
- Faulty crowns, bridges, and fillings
- Tobacco
- Medications (several drugs produce dry mouth as a side effect)
- Diet
- Systemic illness, including gastrointestinal disorders
ORAL MALODOR DEFENDERS
- Make and keep routine dental appointments for cleaning and check-ups.
- Follow your dental professional's instructions for daily brushing, flossing, and rinsing.
- Use an antibacterial toothpaste.
- Take special care of any dental restorations, appliances, or prosthetics.
- Consult your dentist or hygienist if you experience dry mouth.
- Take good care of your overall health.
Your Dental Professional Can Help
Regular oral hygiene cleanings can keep your mouth as fresh and clean as possible.5 Remember to make–and keep –regular appointments with your dentist and dental hygienist.
Bad Breath? Your dentist may refer you to your primary care physician to determine if the cause is from a medical problem.
Having your teeth professionally cleaned on a regular basis may significantly reduce halitosis. The dentist and hygienist remove deposits on teeth above and below the gum line that harbor bacteria, and also may advise you about diet to help control bad breath.4 If your dentist determines that the cause of your bad breath is gum disease, you may need a specialized periodontal cleaning to remove the odor-causing bacteria and plaque.5
If after a routine examination and cleaning you still experience bad breath–even though your mouth is considered healthy– the cause may be a medical disorder. 1,3 In such instances, your dentist may refer you to your primary care physician to determine if the cause is from a medical problem.1,3,4
If Bad Breath Happens to You, Here's What You Can Do
Thoroughly brush your teeth. Make sure you brush at least twice a day–soon after waking and right before you go to sleep. Using baking soda toothpastes can reduce the sulfur compounds in your mouth and help reduce bad breath.6 When brushing your teeth, make sure you gently brush your tongue as well; brushing your tongue releases tiny particles that cling to the tongue's surface.2,3
Flossing is another way to rid your mouth of small food particles. Make sure you floss at least twice a day in conjunction with brushing; flossing after every meal can help reduce the presence of odor-causing residue.4
6 Simple Steps to Sweet Breath Sensations
- Use over-the-counter mouthwashes.
- Use an antibacterial toothpaste.
- Eat sensibly.
- Drink plenty of liquids.
- Reduce stress levels.
- Chew sugar-free gum and/or use sugar-free mints.
Morning Breath?
Oral malodor (bad breath) is most intense when your mouth goes through a long period of reduced salivary flow and an absence of food and water. This means your breath is usually at its worst in the morning.7
Morning breath, as it is commonly referred to, doesn't always mean that you have a chronic oral malodor or halitosis problem. As your body runs out of carbohydrate food sources during the night, it breaks down proteins, a process that contributes to the growth of bacteria in the mouth. The breakdown of protein and growth of bacteria cause morning breath. Most of the time morning breath will disappear after breakfast and thorough toothbrushing, flossing, and tongue brushing or scraping.4
WHAT FOODS AND DRINKS CAUSE BAD BREATH?
- Protein rich foods
- Cookies, candy
- Alcoholic beverages
- Coffee and tea
- Acidic foods
Reprints
If you would like to print additional copies of this piece log on to our Web site, www.contemporaryoralhygieneonline.com. You can also personalize copies for your practice on a variety of oral hygiene topics.
References are available at the Contemporary Oral Hygiene Web site.
Disclaimer
The content of this guide is for information purposes only. It does not substitute for the dentist's professional assessment based on the individual patient's case.
© Colgate Oral Pharmaceuticals
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