Bad breath, causes, how to get rid of
One of the common problems in today's medicine is bad breath. A similar problem of a person causes a number of unpleasant emotions in others, in particular, a persistent disgust for this person. What causes bad breath and how to deal with it?
Causes of bad breath.
It should be noted that bad breath is a pathology that occurs as the body matures and develops. In modern medicine, this condition is known as halitosis. This problem is, in principle, solvable. Usually the treatment process is very simple and effective, it is only necessary to accurately identify the main source of bad breath. Basically, this is an accumulation in the human mouth (on the back of the tongue, around and between the teeth) of white matter, in which a large number of anaerobic bacteria are concentrated (gram-negative anaerobes that live and multiply in an oxygen-free environment). These bacteria secrete chemical compounds (hydrogen sulfide, methyl mercaptan, cadavrine, putrescine, skatole) that are the source of halitosis. Basically, bacteria begin to release foul-smelling substances after human consumption of proteins - meat, fish, seafood, eggs, milk, cheese, yogurt, cheeseburgers, cereals, nuts, legumes, as well as any desserts based on them. In addition, dead cells of the oral cavity serve as food for bacteria.
In addition to the accumulation of bacteria in the mouth, the causes of bad breath can be:
- Diseases of the digestive system (gastritis, ulcers). In this case, this problem is caused by the pathology of non-closure of the esophageal sphincter, when odors from the stomach penetrate directly through the esophagus into the oral cavity.
- Intestinal pathology (enteritis and colitis). As a result of inflammatory processes in the intestines, toxic substances enter the bloodstream, which the body removes, including through the lungs, as a result of which bad breath appears.
- Diseases of the liver and pancreas. The process of the appearance of bad breath is similar to the previous version.
- Diseases of the ear, throat and nose (tonsillitis, chronic tonsillitis, chronic sinusitis). A bad smell occurs against the background of inflammatory processes of a purulent nature.
- Lung diseases (tuberculosis, pneumonia, abscess). Inflammatory processes in the lungs proceed with the collapse of the lung tissue, namely the purulent process, which leads to the appearance of this problem.
- Diseases of the oral cavity (caries). A carious lesion of the teeth or an abscess of the tooth proceeds with the release of purulent bad breath.
- Violation of oral hygiene. Putrefactive microbes, their active reproduction and activity in the remains of food, poorly eliminated as a result of brushing the teeth and oral cavity, contribute to the production of fetid gases.
Excessive smoking or drinking alcohol is also a cause of bad breath. Basically, the process of its formation is based on nicotine, tar and other substances contained in tobacco smoke. They accumulate on the teeth and soft tissues of a heavy smoker. In this case, the only way to get rid of the problem is by giving up cigarettes. Perfect oral hygiene will help to reduce the smell somewhat, but will not completely eliminate it. In addition, smoking leads to dehydration of the tissues of the mouth, as a result of which saliva somewhat loses its moisturizing and disinfecting effect. From here, dry mouth or xerostomia appears, which also leads to the appearance of an unpleasant odor. Decreased saliva production leads to dry mouth. This is especially noticeable in the morning. As a result, our breath becomes less fresh. By constantly swallowing saliva, we cleanse the mouth of the waste products of the bacteria inhabiting it and of the bacteria themselves. Drying out the mouth significantly reduces the positive effect of saliva, resulting in favorable conditions for the growth of bacteria. Chronic xerostomia can occur as a side effect while taking certain medications (antihistamines, drugs that normalize blood pressure, antidepressants, diuretics, tranquilizers, narcotic substances). Over the years, this problem can worsen as the effectiveness of the salivary glands decreases and the composition of saliva changes, resulting in a weakening of the cleansing effect of saliva. Chronic dry mouth or xerostomia contributes to the development of periodontal disease (gum disease).
Periodontal disease can also lead to bad breath. Usually this disease occurs in people over 35 years of age and is a bacterial infection of the soft tissues that surround the teeth. In its advanced form, the disease can give a complication in the form of serious damage to the bone on which the tooth is located. In the active form of the disease, gaps form between the teeth and gums, the so-called "periodontal pockets", where an excessive amount of bacteria is concentrated. These gaps are sometimes very deep, making hygienic cleaning difficult, resulting in accumulated bacteria and their waste products causing bad breath.
Diseases of the upper respiratory tract can cause bad breath. This is due to the fact that the mucous secretions accompanying the disease enter the oral cavity from the nasal cavity, and their accumulation leads to the appearance of this problem.
People suffering from sinusitis are forced to breathe through their mouth due to nasal congestion, which in turn leads to dry mouth and, as a result, bad breath. In the process of treating sinusitis, antihistamines are usually prescribed, which also contribute to the drying of the mouth.
It should be noted that the presence of dentures can also adversely affect the freshness of your breath. Whether a bad smell comes from prostheses or not is very easy to find out. You just need to remove them and place them in a closed container for a day. After the specified time, open the container and immediately smell it. Approximately this aroma comes from you while communicating with people. In addition, bacteria can also accumulate on the surface of the denture, resulting in bad breath. Therefore, it is very important to thoroughly and daily clean them both from the inside and from the outside. Usually, when installing them, the dentist talks about the features of the hygiene of dentures. After cleaning, the dentures should be placed in a container with an antiseptic liquid (whichever doctor recommends).
How to get rid of an unpleasant smell?
When solving the problem of bad breath, most people mask it with chewing gums or mouthwashes, unaware that it is represented by volatile compounds. They also do not know that chewing gum negatively affects the gastrointestinal tract, and the effect of them is only short-lived. Mouthwashes often lead to disruption of the natural flora in the mouth, which only exacerbates bad breath. There are many other remedies, but doctors most often prescribe CB12, because, unlike others, it does not mask, but neutralizes those very volatile compounds, eliminating an unpleasant odor for a period of at least 12 hours. At the same time, it does not violate the normal flora of the oral cavity, it can be used even by pregnant and lactating women. CB12 is actively used by users of braces and prostheses. For persistent fresh breath, it is recommended to use rinse aid every day.
To deprive the bacteria of nutrients, you should include more fresh vegetables and fruits in your diet (especially apples and oranges) and limit the consumption of meat. It has been proven that vegetarians have practically no problems with fresh breath. Also of great importance is the correct and timely cleaning of the oral cavity, especially after eating protein dishes. If you do not thoroughly clean the spaces between your teeth every day, where food remains get stuck, you will not be able to cope with an unpleasant odor. Therefore, if you have a problem with fresh breath, it is recommended to brush your teeth, gums and tongue after each meal, rinse your mouth thoroughly and use dental floss. All this will help to keep the oral cavity clean and prevent the appearance of plaque, in which bacteria live that produce unpleasant "aromas".
If you keep your mouth perfectly clean, but the smell from your mouth does not disappear, you should visit a dentist who, if necessary, will teach you how to properly brush your teeth with a toothbrush and help with flossing. Unfortunately, even today a large number of people do not properly use these attributes of hygiene. If you have tartar on your teeth, your doctor will quickly and effectively remove it. If periodontal disease is detected, the dentist will prescribe the necessary treatment. In addition, if any other untreated diseases are found that may be the source of bad breath. If, after examining, the dentist does not find anything that could be the source of the problem, he may refer you to a general practitioner for an examination.
To get rid of this problem, it is important, in addition to teeth and gums, to thoroughly clean the surface of the tongue every day. Unfortunately, most of us ignore this procedure, but in vain. After all, it is this procedure that often helps to get rid of this problem without the use of any additional methods. It should be noted that it is necessary to clean the back of the tongue, since the front, in the process of constant movement of the tongue, touches the hard palate and thus cleans itself. Therefore, bacteria that produce malodorous compounds are mainly concentrated on the back of the tongue, which needs to be thoroughly cleaned.
To eliminate unpleasant odors, it is best to use toothpaste, which includes antibacterial substances (chlorine dioxide or cetylpyridone chloride). Such a paste not only cleanses well, but also has a detrimental effect on anaerobic bacteria.
Additional use of liquid mouthwash will help to cope with bad breath. Its composition has antibacterial properties and the ability to neutralize volatile sulfur compounds.
Rinsers can be of several types:
- containing chlorine dioxide or sodium chlorite (kill bacteria and neutralize their secretions);
- with zinc content (neutralize volatile sulfur compounds);
- antiseptic (kill bacteria, but do not eliminate odor);
- with the content of cetylpyridone chloride (reduces the number of anaerobic bacteria).
As an additional means of getting rid of an unpleasant odor, you can use various mints, lozenges, drops, sprays, chewing gums, etc. It is good if these products contain substances such as chlorine dioxide, sodium chlorite and zinc, which neutralize volatile sulfur compounds. In addition, mints, lozenges and chewing gum stimulate the production of saliva, which, thanks to its cleansing properties, eliminates bacteria and their waste products from the oral cavity, which means it eliminates bad breath.
Irrigators as a way to get rid of unpleasant odors
Recently, dentists are increasingly advising patients to use irrigators. These are devices that supply a jet of water under pressure, washing out food debris and accumulations of bacteria from even the most inaccessible places.
One of the new models on the Russian market is the stationary irrigator of the German brand ACleon TF600, which has extended functionality. Seven nozzles in the kit allow you to eliminate bacteria even from the most inaccessible places and clean the oral cavity with high quality (including nozzles for the tongue, braces and implants). The ingress of new microorganisms is prevented by the presence of a built-in ultraviolet lamp, a disinfecting nozzle.
An analogue of a stationary irrigator is a portable model of the same brand ACleon TF200. It weighs only 250 grams, comes in a case and comes with a battery, so you can take it with you anywhere. Use irrigators, and the problem of bad breath will not affect you.
Video: Overview of ACleon TF600 and TF200 irrigators
Additional measures to eliminate unpleasant odors.
Drink more liquid throughout the day. This will reduce the bad odor. Not drinking enough water throughout the day will cause the body to retain water by reducing saliva production. And this will negatively affect the natural cleansing of the oral cavity from bacteria and their secretions. It is especially important to consume plenty of fluids for people suffering from chronic dry mouth (xerostomia).
Rinse your mouth with water several times a day. This will reduce halitosis somewhat by dissolving and washing away the waste products of bacteria.
Constantly stimulate the process of salivation, which will reduce the unpleasant odor. The easiest way is to chew something (mints, propolis, chewing gum, mint, cloves, dill, parsley, etc.). If you prefer chewing gum or mints, you should make sure that they do not contain sugar, as it stimulates the growth of bacteria that cause cavities.
Folk remedies for getting rid of bad breath.
Add three to four teaspoons of 3% hydrogen peroxide to a glass of water. Rinse your mouth with the resulting liquid two to three times during the day. Under the influence of active oxygen, formed due to hydrogen peroxide, putrefactive bacteria, which are the cause of an unpleasant odor, die.
For the same purpose, you can use hydroperite (hydrogen peroxide in the form of tablets).
Fresh Siberian cedar needles will help get rid of diseases of the oral cavity and gums (you can use pine or fir henna). It is necessary to chew the needles before the formation of water. In the process of chewing, due to coniferous phytoncides, the oral cavity is disinfected and cleaned of food debris. Two weeks of daily performance of the procedure will eliminate the unpleasant odor forever.
With reduced salivation and severe dryness of the mouth, it is recommended to chew a slice of lemon. This will get rid of the repulsive smell from the mouth for an hour and a half.
Rinsing the mouth with decoctions of infusions of bitter herbs (wormwood, yarrow, tansy) also eliminates unpleasant odors. This is due to the fact that herbs increase the secretion of saliva, which suppresses the pathological microflora, which is the source of an unpleasant odor. To prepare the infusion, it is necessary to pour dried and chopped grass (a tablespoon) with a glass of boiling water and insist for fifteen minutes. Rinse your mouth with this infusion two or three times a day.
An infusion of chamomile and calendula has an anti-inflammatory effect, reduces inflammation of the tonsils, the back of the pharynx and the root of the tongue, reducing the intensity of bad breath. The preparation of the infusion is similar to the previous recipe.
Tea from lemon and peppermint leaves, rose hips, cumin seeds, thyme herbs give freshness to the breath. Brew grass instead of tea and drink with honey.
Eating walnuts or fennel in the morning will also reduce bad breath.
Rinse the mouth with tincture of St. John's wort (twenty to thirty drops in half a glass of water).
Use an infusion of strawberry leaves: pour two cups of boiling water over a tablespoon of raw materials and put on fire, cook for twenty minutes, then strain. Drink half a glass daily.
Infuse cranberries in water and consume daily.
Juice, water and alcohol infusion, alcohol tincture, syrup and sea buckthorn oil, taken orally, will help get rid of an unpleasant odor.
The use of infusion of sorrel leaves also solves this unpleasant problem. Pour a tablespoon of fresh leaves with two glasses of water, put on fire and cook from the moment of boiling for fifteen minutes. Then insist the broth for two hours and strain. Drink 50 ml four times a day fifteen minutes before meals.
A decoction of oak bark helps with chronic tonsillitis, stomatitis, pharyngitis, and bad breath. Rinse your mouth with it two or three times a day for ten minutes.