There is nothing quite so off-putting as when you get close to someone and get a whiff of bad breath. It will only be a whiff because no one likes to hang around when this happens. Bad breath causes people to feel disgusted and recoil.
But what if it is you who has the problem? Then you will be trying to find out how can I get rid of halitosis? To use its formal name is to put a little distance between yourself and the problem – and it can be a real problem. But technical term or informal word, it makes no difference. This is bad news.
The simple question is: what is the cause of halitosis? The answer is less simple because there can be several causes. Whether you have this problem yourself or know someone who has it and want to help them, the first step is to find out if this is a one-off situation caused by what you or they have eaten or drunk, or if it is a dental problem.
Is it Connected to What You Consume?
We all know the chief culprits of bad breath as regards food and drink: garlic is notoriously unpleasant on someone’s breath, for instance. Some people complain about “coffee breath” caused by the instant coffee that is so convenient. Yeast extract spreads such as Marmite and Vegemite have been known to get a bad reputation.
On the liquid front, a lot of wine or spirits can give a drinker oxyacetylene breath that is foul to others. Tequila, for instance, can smell kind of dirty on the breath even while you’re drinking it, never mind the next morning.
The good thing about all of these is that there is a simple solution: don’t consume them, or if you do, pay extra attention to brushing your teeth, gargling and sucking something pleasant, such as mints.
Dental or Medical: Other Causes of Bad Breath
Let’s say we’ve ruled out your diet. You’ve identified what it is that’s causing you to be dispensing this vile draught like some sort of dragon. It’s an easy one to solve.
If you still have a problem, your first port of call should be a dentist, because after all, the mouth is a major player in this and that is the specialist area of a dentist. You now enter the realms of the technical term in a more individual way than just halitosis.
You may be looking at gingivitis, which is inflammation of the gums and a significant condition that could be the prelude to something more serious, such as periodontitis. That word itself is nothing to be afraid of because all periodontal means is something that happens around the teeth. But it does indicate that there is something seriously amiss in that area. You can then get on to much nastier-sounding ailments with words such as necrotic, aggressive and chronic attached.
A good dentist certainly isn’t afraid of these things. They understand them, know how they start and how they can be remedied. A good dentist is an expert in this field. For the rest of the population, here is some basic advice: step up your dental hygiene regime.
Toothpaste adverts are always going on about plaque. In dental terms, plaque is a sticky film on the teeth, and it can be avoided by nothing more complicated than good dental hygiene. In other words, brush your teeth at least twice a day and do it thoroughly. Pay attention to your teeth, making sure they are properly cleaned, with no little bits of food or liquid lurking in that cosy place at the bottom where they meet the gums. Maybe use a mouthwash too.
To keep plaque under control, it's important to get professional teeth cleaning at the dentist every six months. These cleanings remove buildup that brushing and flossing can’t and help prevent gum disease and other problems.
However, that’s for the future. If you’re dealing with halitosis now, you may have one of these conditions and you need to get it looked at by a dentist, who will help resolve it.
Unfortunately, the causes of bad breath can be unrelated to the teeth and may require the attention of a doctor. Most are mouth-related, though, so a trip to the dentist is essential to rule out tooth-based issues first. You are more than likely to solve the problem in this way.
How Do You Know If You Have Halitosis?
This can be a tricky one, and it is most likely that a close friend or family member will point it out – hopefully in a friendly, constructive way. It is never nice to hear that sort of thing, and it can damage self-esteem if you don’t handle it in the right way. Most people’s first reaction will be to cup their hand and breathe into it, to see if they can smell anything themselves. That doesn’t always work, of course, because when you live with an odour you can become accustomed to it to the extent that your sense of smell doesn’t report it anymore.
However, if you believe what you are told or you can detect it yourself, you can deal with it. If there is already an oral condition going on, a good dentist will get to grips with it as well as give you advice to prevent it from happening again. As is so often the case, admitting you have a problem is the first step towards conquering it. There is no shame in having halitosis, but for your own sake, you should get it treated ASAP.
At Smile Society Dental, for instance, our whole ethos is geared towards helping our patients, and we will identify your problem and treat it, while you enjoy the ambience of our facility. We will get to grips with the issue, make no mistake about it, but with our customary emphasis on patient comfort and wellbeing. We aim to help in practical terms while making sure you are happier when you leave than when you came in.
So, if you are aware of a problem or you suspect you have one and you want to know how to fix bad breath, come and see us and we’ll help you. Book your initial consultation now.