Effective treatment for bad breath in Bhubaneswar by Dr. Swastik. Bad breath may be a early sign of gum disease or tooth decay. Doctors for Bad Breath.
Bad Breath is a condition, occurs due to the buildup of bacteria in your mouth because of gum disease, food, or plaque. It is also known as Halitosis and is characterized by an unpleasant odor of the mouth. The medical condition dry mouth (also called xerostomia) is another cause of bad breath.
Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth is a early symptom of gum (periodontal) disease. If treatment is not done in time, it may damage your gums and jawbone. So start halitosis treatment as soon as possible.
If you have bad breath, first it is necessary to find the cause. Then treatment is done accordingly. So book an appointment with your dentist, Dr. Swastik Satpathy.
Dr. Swastik Satpathy, BDS, 10 yrs exp.
Dentist – Specializes in Bad Breath Cure, Halitosis Treatment
Periodontist ( Gum doctor) specializes in Gum disease
Innovative Smile Dental Clinic Khandagiri, Bhubaneswar
Other Locations: Tangi, Khordha, Phulnakhara
What is Bad Breath?
Bad breath is a common problem that can cause significant psychological distress. There are a number of potential causes and treatments available.
Anyone can suffer from bad breath. It is estimated that 1 in 4 people have bad breath on a regular basis.
Halitosis is the third most common reason that people seek dental care, after tooth decay and gum disease.
Simple home remedies and lifestyle changes, such as improved dental hygiene and quitting smoking, can often remove the issue. If bad breath persists, however, it is advisable to visit a doctor to check for underlying causes.
What Causes Bad Breath?
Bad breath (halitosis) can be caused by a variety of things, including diet, medication, poor oral hygiene, and diseases or conditions such as diabetes,lactose intolerance, gum disease, and more. Treatment for bad breath depends on the cause.
Medications that cause a dry mouth can trigger bad breath. Causes of bad breath include the following:
Diet
- When a person does not brush or floss their teeth thoroughly, food particles that may remain in the mouth can rot and cause foul odors. In addition, food particles over time can promote the growth of bacteria, which can also cause foul odors. The bacteria can also lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
- Foods with strong odors also affect the air a person exhales. Foods commonly known to contribute to bad breath include onions and garlic, exotic spices (such as curry), some cheeses, fish, and acidic beverages such as coffee. These foods may also cause stomach and gastrointestinal upset and belching, which can contribute to bad breath. In addition, certain supplements, such as fish oil capsules, can contribute to bad breath.
- Low-carbohydrate diets may also cause what is known as “ketone breath.” So-called “low carb” diets cause the body to burn fat as its energy source. The end product of making this energy is ketones, which cause a fruity acetone-like odor on the breath when exhaled.
Dry Mouth
Bad breath can also be caused by decreased flow of saliva, which is a vital part of the digestive process and removes odor-causing particles in the mouth. Also called xerostomia, dry mouth may be caused by medications, breathing through the mouth, or salivary gland problems.
Tobacco Products
In addition to causing bad breath, smoking or chewing tobacco-based products can stain teeth, irritate gum tissue, and exacerbate tooth decay.
Medical Disorders
The following medical disorders may cause bad breath:
- Gum or periodontal infection
- Throat infection (pharyngitis or tonsillitis)
- Local infection in the respiratory tract
- Chronic sinusitis and/or postnasal drip
- Chronic bronchitis
- Diabetes
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Liver or kidney disease
Dentures or Dental Appliances
Dentures or dental appliances, such as braces, can contribute to bad breath. Most often, it is due to food particles that are not properly cleansed from the appliances. Loose-fitting dentures can contribute to sores and localized infections in the mouth, which can cause bad breath.
Morning Breath
Overnight, bacteria accumulate in the mouth, which can cause bad breath, commonly referred to as “morning breath.” Some people breathe through their mouths at night, which can cause dry mouth and worsen morning breath.
What Are the Symptoms of Bad Breath?
Many individuals with bad breath may be unaware they have it, or their signs and symptoms may only be temporary. The odor often depends upon the source or underlying cause of the bad breath.
Some common symptoms of bad breath include
- bad breath smell,
- bad taste in the mouth, sour taste, or taste changes,
- dry mouth,
- a coating on the tongue.
When to See a Doctor for Bad Breath
Most causes of bad breath are due to inadequate oral hygiene and are rarely life-threatening. If good oral hygiene practices do not eliminate the bad breath, see a dental professional. In most cases, a dentist can treat the cause of bad breath.
An individual should consult their physician for a diagnosis if they have
- persistent dry mouth,
- sores in the mouth,
- pain with chewing or swallowing,
- white spots on the tonsils
- fever,
- any other symptoms of concern.
Those who have bad breath and have just started a new medication or who have had recent dental surgery should consult their health-care provider.
Bad breath in babies or young children may be a sign of infection or undiagnosed medical problems. Consult our pediatric dentist if an infant or young child has bad breath.
What Can I Do to Prevent Bad Breath?
Bad breath can be reduced or prevented if you:
- Practice good oral hygiene. Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to remove food debris and plaque. Brush teeth after you eat (keep a toothbrush at work or school to brush after lunch). Don’t forget to brush the tongue, too. Replace your toothbrush every 2 to 3 months or after an illness. Use floss or an interdental cleaner to remove food particles and plaque between teeth once a day. Rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash twice a day. Dentures should be removed at night and cleaned thoroughly before being placed in your mouth the next morning.
- See your dentist regularly — at least twice a year. He or she will conduct an oral exam and professional teeth cleaning and will be able to detect and treat periodontal disease, dry mouth, or other problems that may be the cause of bad mouth odor.
- Stop smoking and chewing tobacco-based products. Ask your dentist for tips on kicking the habit.
- Drink lots of water. This will keep your mouth moist. Chewing gum (preferably sugarless) or sucking on candy (preferably sugarless) also stimulates the production of saliva, which helps wash away food particles and bacteria. Gums and mints containing xylitol are best.
- Keep a log of the foods you eat. If you think they may be causing bad breath, bring the log to your dentist to review. Similarly, make a list of the medications you take. Some drugs may play a role in creating mouth odors.
