Bad breath can be a very embarrassing problem and although it is rather obvious among others, it can hard to recognise in ourselves.
However, even if you do have it, it is not very common for your friends or relatives to let you know you do, as they are afraid they might hurt your feelings.
Click here for five things to prevent bad breath.
The main causes of bad breath amongst Briton’s
The problem is statistically more common among men than among women and it is often the result of letting your mouth dry out during the day. Poor oral hygiene and untreated tooth decay, however, are among the most common reasons for the issue. When the oral cavity is not properly cleaned, bacteria that cause plaque start to rot, causing an unpleasant smell. Problems with your gums are also a strong indication that you probably have bad breath, too; if your gums are swollen and bleeding, this means you have gum disease and bad breath is one of the most common symptoms. Find out more.
Bleeding gums is a very common condition, and unless it is caused by hard food or vigorous brushing, it may mean gum disease is developing. But bleeding gums is also linked to other diseases; scientists believe that bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream and cause more serious infections to other organs. According to Diabetes UK, a stubborn gum disease that cannot be cured is a symptom of diabetes, so a check-up with your dentist and GP is strongly recommended.
Dealing with bad breath
Here are some ideas on how can you deal with bad breath, according to the Daily Telegraph. Firstly, make sure you brush your teeth and clean tour tongue and cheeks at least twice a day.
Flossing is also crucial to get rid of the tiny food particles that your toothbrush cannot reach. See: Treatments for bad breath.
Visiting your dentist twice a year could also prevent bad breath, as gum disease and tooth decay will be treated by your dentist before they become a serious problem. Last, but not least, make sure you drink plenty of water during the day.
Halitosis, commonly known as bad breath can also be caused by dehydration, smelly food or smoking, but if it persists it may signal an infection. Prolonged bad breath may also be indicative of sinusitis, undiagnosed diabetes and sometimes kidney problems, according to Dr Nigel Carter of the British Dental Health Foundation. So if you experience bad breath, but your dentist can’t find any problems with your oral health, you should see your GP.
If you brush and floss your teeth as recommended, but your tooth enamel continues to erode, you could have gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. This condition is when acid travels up from your stomach into your mouth, most often while lying down. If not treated, the disease can increase the risk of cancer of the esophagus, the Mirror reports.
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ANSWERS TO YOUR BAD BREATH QUESTIONS
Many studies show that bad breath, also known as halitosis, is the third most frequent reason for visits to the dentist — only behind cavities and gum disease.
Understanding the causes and treatment of halitosis is the first step toward avoiding the embarrassment that often accompanies bad breath.
How many people suffer from bad breath? Researchers estimate that about 50% of middle-aged and older adults have intolerable breath odors.
BRITONS FIND BAD BREATH MORE CONCERNING THAN OVERALL DENTAL HEALTH
Brush Your Teeth for Optimum Dental Health Brushing your teeth regularly is one of the most important habits you can develop and should be taught to everyone in early childhood. Teach your children to care for their teeth for long term health benefits.