Do not panic! Bad Breath Can Be Prevented

Bad breath is a common problem for people of all ages. Apart from disturbing self-confidence, this condition can also be an indication of certain conditions, ranging from mouth problems to digestive disorders. About 3 out of 10 people can experience bad breath or what is commonly called halitosis. This condition often makes sufferers feel insecure and even interferes with social relationships and their quality of life.

Causes of bad breath

Bad breath comes from bacteria belonging to the volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs), such as hydrogen sulfide, methyl mercaptan, and dimethyl sulfide. One of the products of these VSCs bacteria known as bad breath bacteria is Streptococcus salivarius.

The growth of this bacteria is caused by various factors based on lifestyle, physical and mental health conditions, and the influence of hormones. Medically, there are 3 factors that cause bad breath:

• Local factors which are influenced by dental and oral health.
• Systemic factors which originate from the disease and the drugs consumed.
• Psychogenic factors which are triggered by stress and other mental health disorders.

According to studies, 1 in 4 people in the world experience bad breath which can be caused by the following behaviors:

1. Not maintaining healthy teeth and mouth

As previously mentioned, bad breath comes from bacteria. Bacteria accumulate due to poor dental and oral health, such as not brushing your teeth regularly or not cleaning between your teeth.

In addition to bad breath, bad bacteria in the mouth will cause plaque, cavities, and gingivitis.

2. Dry mouth

Why does dry mouth condition cause bad breath? Hermina's friends need to know, if there is saliva in the mouth to keep the mouth clean with fresh breath. Lack of saliva in the mouth is usually caused by an active smoking habit, as well as in the use of medical drugs.

3. Consuming food with a strong aroma

Foods and drinks with strong aromas such as onions, spices, coffee can cause bad breath. This is due to the absorption of oil from these foods when digesting. Then, it gets absorbed in the bloodstream and empties into the lungs.

4. GERD disease

GERD disease is a condition where stomach acid rises into the esophagus. Stomach acid is what produces bad breath after going through the digestive process.

5. Other diseases such as diabetes, respiratory tract infections, liver and kidney

In diabetics, ketoacidosis is prone to inflammation of the gums which causes bad breath. This is due to the effect of increasing blood sugar. Mild or severe respiratory infections will have an impact on bad breath, for example coughs, colds, sinusitis, bronchitis, to pneumonia. Damage to the liver has an impact on its inability to filter the body's toxins. The same goes for people with kidney disease. Toxins that settle will produce bacteria that cause bad breath.

How to Prevent Bad Breath

Bad breath that interferes with social activities can certainly be prevented easily and simply by doing the following:

• Brush your teeth at least 2 times a day, in the morning after eating and at night before going to bed.
• If necessary, gargling with non-alcoholic and anti-bacterial mouthwash, and cleaning the tongue.
• Reduce smoking, coffee, and strong-smelling foods.
• Drink plenty of water so your mouth doesn't dry out.
• Reduce sweet and high-sugar foods to increase saliva production.
• Cleaning between the teeth, because leftover food can land in hidden places which can cause cavities to cause bad breath.

Prevent bad breath by having your teeth checked regularly at least once every 6 months

The main cause of bad breath is poor dental health. In addition, a person's health condition also affects oral health. For that, don't forget to go to the dentist to check the dental and oral health of Friends of Hermina at least once every 6 months.

This examination aims to check whether there is filling action on cavities or cleaning tartar. If it turns out that there is a more severe case, the dentist will take further action based on the symptoms you are feeling. Come on, visit the Specialist Dental Clinic at RSU Hermina Pandanaran and make a doctor's appointment with trusted doctors and medical experts!