If it is indeed the latter then my friend you may have a condition known medically as Halitosis. Now don’t panic, halitosis though sounding like some rare skin disorder, is in fact a very common everyday condition that affects up to 50% of men folk on the planet and is more commonly referred to as having ‘Bad Breath’.
Now Morning breath is somewhat different I must point, practically everyone has some form of halitosis first thing in the morning with it usually disappearing after breakfast and brushing, because the saliva starts to flow again and any leftover residues are washed away and swallowed.
However bad breath can cause great embarrassment and stress for many men and in some severe cases can in fact cause some men to steer clear of engaging in any sort of social activity. In other instances men with ‘halitophobia’ become fixated with teeth cleaning and frequently use chewing gums, mints, mouthwashes, and sprays in the hope of reducing their distress.
A main problem with bad breath is that often the only person ‘not’ to notice it is the person affected. Often, the only way to know about it is if a person close to you awkwardly comments on it. If you are curious or orally in denial, try this simple test to determine if you are the offender or victim: Lick the inner surface of your wrist, wait a few seconds and sniff the licked area. Is there an odour? If so read on, if not perhaps you may know someone who may benefit from the following advice.
Gum disease is the most common reason for bad breath and is caused by a build up of plaque. Plaque is a mixture of food residues, dead gum cells and bacteria that forms between the gum and the tooth. The bacteria create an unpleasant odour and contribute to bleeding gums and loosening of teeth. The cause of gum disease is often pointed at general bad oral hygiene, but there are several other possible causes that can also lead to bad breath including Gastritis, food reflux and food stagnation.
Causes Bad Breath:
• Any condition that results in the drying of the mouth can cause bad breath such as smoking which reduces the flow of saliva and so worsens bad breath. As you get older you may produce less saliva which can then lead to bad breath.
• Occasional halitosis can occur because of drinking alcohol (& fizzy drinks) or eating certain types of foods. Culprits that are often to blame include onions, garlic, curries, cured foods like salami and cooked foods like kippers. Smoked foods such as smoked mackerel and processed meats such as salami.
• Sinus problems or allergies. Nasal congestion, sinus infections, tonsillitis and swollen adenoids could all contribute.
• According to reports from The International Dental Health Foundation other medical conditions that result in the drying of the mouth which affects the flow of saliva; nose, throat or lung infections, bronchitis, diabetes and liver and kidney problems. Consider too, any medications you might be taking. Anything that dries up saliva as a side-effect, medication used to treat depression and bladder disorders may add to the problem.
• Not eating regular meals or crash dieting or fasting can also lead to bad breath. People on strict high-protein diets experience the same effect for similar reasons.
• A coated, furry tongue is often a sign of indigestion or dehydration - all of which can make breath smell.
How Do I Treat Bad Breath?
• First off - Go for a proper dental check-up. Visit your dentist regularly and have your teeth professionally cleaned as required.
• Make sure you know how to brush your teeth properly! Brush your teeth at least twice a day using a soft-tufted brush and toothpaste that contains fluoride. The head of the brush should be small enough to get into all the areas of the mouth. Spend at least two minutes brushing, covering all areas (the inside, outside, and biting areas of each tooth). Pay particular attention to where the teeth meet the gum. Get a new toothbrush every 3-4 months.
• In addition to brushing, it is important to clean between the teeth using dental floss, wood sticks or an inter-dental brush as recommended by your dentist or pharmacist.
• Use a tongue cleaner and clean right to the back of the tongue.
• Do not skip meals, particularly breakfast. Also, Crash dieting or fasting as already mentioned can cause a 'sickly sweet smell' on the breath. This is due to chemicals called ketones being made by the breakdown of fat. Some ketones are then breathed out with each breath.
• Recent studies have found a strong link between obesity and bad breath due primarily to an unhealthy diet.
• Drink plenty of fluids (at least 2 litres a day) to stay adequately hydrated. Avoid drinking too much coffee.
• Eat plenty of fresh fruit and fibrous vegetables. Pineapple appears to be particularly good as it contains an enzyme that helps clear the mouth of bacteria.
• Avoid smoking, alcohol and spicy foods.
• Drink black tea. Rinsing with black tea can actually prevent the formation of plaque and destroy acids that cause tooth decay. Various green and herbal teas can also be good e.g. camomile and peppermint.
• Eat parsley with your food. Don’t snub a bunch of parsley as a garnish. Chew on it after your meal. The chlorophyll content is responsible for getting rid of odours.
• Chewing sugar-free gum helps the production of saliva, which can be helpful in clearing particles of food from the mouth. Chew sugar-free gum, especially if your mouth feels dry.
• Clean your mouth after eating milk products, fish and meat.
• Use a mouthwash to get rid of bacteria and the bits of food that you may have missed when brushing. The best time to use it is just before sleeping. Some mouthwashes are acidic, which can potentially damage tooth enamel; others can actually temporarily stain and darken teeth. Opt for antibacterial and antiseptic preparations with a longer duration of action to make any lasting difference. Your dentist can advise you on what is the most appropriate product. While mouthwashes can be very useful they are not a cure. Tea tree essential oil makes for an excellent natural alternative to mouthwash.
• Get any associated medical conditions such as heartburn or sinusitis properly assessed and treated. If you suffer from dry mouth, it is important that you get this also assessed by your doctor.
As bad breath is almost always caused by a problem in the mouth, it is recommended that you visit a dentist, do not try to disguise the odour before the visit - it needs to be as typical as possible. If your dentist determines that your mouth is healthy and that the odour is not of oral origin, you may be referred to your family doctor or a specialist.
Finally, there is now evidence to suggest that gum disease may be associated with heart disease, so looking after your oral health may not be good just for your breath but may help your heart as well.
