“Morning breath” , a very common form of bad breath, is a result of
bacteria that’s present in plaque. As you sleep the mouth tends to dry
out creating a fertile breeding ground for bacteria in plaque that’s
present on your teeth and under your tongue. This bacteria produces
many unpleasant odors, the main one being volatile sulfur compound,
which is believed to be the main cause of that “rotten egg smell” bad
breath. These sulfur-feeding bacteria feed of off such foods as
coffee, alcohol and meats.
Other foods contributing to the buildup of bacteria resulting in bad
breath are onion, garlic, pastrami and curries. The chemicals in
these foods enter the bloodstream and are then exhaled through the
mouth from the lungs.
Bacteria also cause gingivitis. Bacteria stick to your teeth
secreting acid onto them and contribute to the formation of cavities
and infection of the gum line, resulting in gingivitis.
Gingivitis offers the bacteria an easy route to enter the bloodstream.
This can lead to such problems as systemic infections. Gingivitis can
be as simple as bleeding along the gum line or as serious as deep gum
recession, which could lead to bone loss.
Another cause of bad breath is medications such as antidepressants,
diuretics and antihistamines as they can cause the mouth to be dry.
Generally, bad breath arises from the breakdown of protein by bacteria
in the mouth and is usually not serious.
Good
oral and dental hygiene will cure most bad breath problems.
Using dental floss to clean between the teeth at least once a day will
remove much of that hard to reach plaque; even a toothpick is
effective. Taking the time to brush your teeth properly, about 3
minutes to cover all the tooth surfaces; not the more commonly used
time of 45 seconds. Make sure you change your toothbrush every three
months.
Tongue cleaners are good for removing the build up on the surface of
the tongue; clean the underside of your tongue too. A toothbrush or
mouth wash can also be used.
Other ways to prevent bad breath include drinking more fluids; rinsing
your mouth after eating milk products, fish and meat; eating more
fresh and fibrous vegetables.
Drinking excessive coffee should be avoided.
And
of course regular visits to your dentist, at least every 6 months, can
help keep your teeth and gums healthy and keep bad breath at bay.
So, are you on target with your oral health care?
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