Bad breath is a pretty common problem that people come to see the dentist for. Periodontist Victoria Kniss told Gazeta.ru about the main reasons for this phenomenon.
He said temporary bad breath is normal to some degree and affects everyone. However, this can be prevented with regular and thorough oral hygiene. However, if the unpleasant odor is very pronounced and persistent, this may indicate disease, especially diseases of the oral cavity.
“Such diseases include inflammation of the oral mucosa (stomatitis), the symptoms of which can include swelling and severe pain when eating and brushing your teeth. And this leads not only to bad breath, but also to gingivitis (gingivitis, periodontitis) “It may cause it,” the doctor warned.
He attributed multiple cavities to another cause of the unpleasant odor. This is a pathological process associated with the destruction of hard tooth structures, into which food can also enter and remain there for a long time.
The sagging edges and sharp edges of old dental restorations can damage the gums and mucous membranes of the cheeks, often causing bad breath.
“The next reason is old or deformed dentures that require timely maintenance. “Also, one of the causes of the unpleasant odor may be dry mouth (xerostomia), which can be alleviated by taking certain medications,” added the dentist.
He also noted that in addition to problems in the oral cavity, the causes of bad breath can be diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (gastritis or the presence of Helicobacter pylori bacteria) and gastroesophageal reflux disease. In this disease, stomach acid and digestive enzymes can enter the esophagus and sometimes the mouth, causing an unpleasant odor. In such cases, the underlying disease needs to be treated.
“Bad breath can also occur in those who fast or follow a strict low-carb diet. In such cases, the body begins to actively produce ketones, one of which is acetone. It has a sweet fruity odor. As a result, the person develops a strong, distinctive odor from the oral cavity,” said Kniss. .
However, he emphasized that not all bacteria in the mouth cause an unpleasant odor. In fact, maintaining oral health requires healthy microflora. Certain types of bacteria that colonize the tongue and gums are responsible for the unpleasant odor.
“Good oral hygiene is the key to preventing and treating bad breath. The most important precaution is to brush your teeth at least twice a day, use additional hygiene products (dental floss to remove food debris and plaque between the teeth, scraper to remove plaque on the surface of the tongue). Orthopedic If you have (crown, prosthesis) and orthodontic (braces, plate) structures, frequent and regular use of mouthwash is required, the dentist should use additional mouthwashes in hard-to-reach areas. “It helps reduce the number of bacteria,” he shared.
In conclusion, the expert noted that it is important to visit the dentist regularly, at least twice a year, for the removal of plaque and tartar, as well as for the early detection of possible problems with the oral cavity and teeth.
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Source: Gazeta
Barbara Dickson is a seasoned writer for “Social Bites”. She keeps readers informed on the latest news and trends, providing in-depth coverage and analysis on a variety of topics.