The use of masks, which is a part of our daily life with the Covid-19 process; It brought about the person’s realization of his own bad breath and the search for a solution. Bad breath, which is a serious problem that can be considered as a reason in divorces, causes difficulties in communicating, especially by talking, in business life. Acıbadem Altunizade Hospital Prosthetic Dentistry Specialist Dr. Dt. Hatice Ağan said, “Half odor is a very sensitive issue, just like the smell of sweat; Sometimes people are afraid to tell even their loved ones that their mouth stinks, waiting for the person to realize it. However, due to the masks that have become a part of our lives with the Covid-19 infection, a serious awareness of bad breath has arisen in patients. Despite changing masks frequently, the number of patients who admitted to our clinic with the complaint of halitosis, who said that they had a bad odor independent of what they ate, increased considerably during the pandemic period. says. Saying that halitosis, or halitosis, with its medical name, has different causes, Dr. Dt. Hatice Ağan both explained the causes of bad breath and listed the effective measures that can be taken; made important warnings and recommendations.
There are many reasons for bad breath!
Considering the distribution of halitosis (halitosis) between the sexes, it is seen that it is more common in men than in women, although there are different studies. While aging is a significant factor for the increase in bad breath, children may experience bad breath, especially during mixed dentition and throat and tonsil infections. Dr. Dt. Hatice Ağan states that bad breath has pathological and physiological causes and explains these reasons as follows:
- Physiological halitosis; more dietary habits, onions, garlic, etc. While it occurs due to foods and being hungry and thirsty for a long time, pathological halitosis, which is dangerous, can be caused by some health problems.
- pathological halitosis; In addition to digestive system diseases such as ear-nose-throat diseases, post-nasal drip, sinusitis and tonsil diseases, reflux, ulcer, gastritis; It can be caused by lung and respiratory diseases, chronic kidney failure, diabetes, hematological diseases.
The most common cause is the mouth and teeth!
Oral and dental health problems are the most common cause of bad breath. So much so that its ratio among all causes reaches 80 percent. Dental caries and plaque accumulated on carious surfaces, bacterial layers, fillings that are incompatible with the mouth and gingivitis are among the most obvious causes of bad breath.
Food accumulating between the teeth causes rot in the gums. Plaque and tartar adhering to the surface of the teeth first lead to inflammation of the gums; From there, it can spread to the jawbone.
The third molars, called wisdom teeth, cause not only crowding but also bad breath while trying to find a place in the mouth.
Poor oral hygiene, that is, not brushing and flossing regularly, is also on the list of the most common causes of bad breath.
Beware of popular diets and sugary diets!
Dr. Dt. Hatice Ağan states that excessive protein consumption forces our body to burn fat cells for energy and continues: “This process also produces residual products called ketones; therefore, it causes an odor released through the breath and urine. Studies have shown that vegetarians have less bad breath than those who consume foods of animal origin. When we look at today’s current diet models, protein-based and ketogenic diets or long-term hunger, which we call intermittent fasting, can also cause bad breath. We recommend those who follow this type of diet to consume plenty of water. Vitamin and mineral deficiencies and decreased saliva flow can also cause bad breath.”
There are devices that measure bad breath.
Although awareness of halitosis is increasing with masks, the search for diagnosis and treatment for this problem is not new. Stating that there are halitosis measuring devices that provide objective information about the level of halitosis and its causes, by measuring sulfur compounds, Dr. Dt. Hatice Ağan said, “Thanks to the measurements made on these devices, we can see the cause of the patient’s bad breath and what level it is, and we prepare a treatment plan accordingly. We work together with ENT and Gastroenterology physicians when necessary.” says.
7 simple but effective measures against bad breath!
Dr. Dt. According to Hatice Ağan, it is possible to prevent bad breath with 7 simple precautions to be taken. These measures can be listed as follows;
Regular tooth brushing and interface care
Teeth should be brushed at least twice a day, for two minutes, from the gum to the tooth; In addition, the spaces between the teeth, where cavities are most common, should be cleaned with dental floss or an interface brush. With rechargeable or manual brushes, the surfaces of the teeth facing the tongue, palate, cheek and chewing surfaces should be cleaned.
tongue brushing
Since a large amount of microorganisms reside on the surface of the velvety tissue of the tongue, cleaning these microorganisms with special tongue brushes is very important in preventing bad breath. Mouthwashes are also useful in providing a fresh breath due to their antiseptic properties.
regular dental examination
Wisdom teeth that are not extracted on time can cause pocket formation and odor in the posterior region. If the crowding in the teeth is not corrected orthodontically, oral care becomes difficult. It facilitates the formation of tooth decay and gum diseases. Preventive dentistry practices, regular dental check-ups twice a year, and tartar cleaning will ensure that all the above-mentioned oral and dental problems are resolved before they progress and cause bad breath.
Cleaning the dentures
There may be accumulation of bacteria and fungi on the denture surfaces that are not cleaned regularly. Odor may occur due to sticking of food residues; Therefore, dentures should be cleaned with special brushes and stored in antiseptic solutions.
Abundant water consumption
Drinking plenty of water is beneficial in combating bad breath. It ensures the removal of deposits in the mouth and prevents dry mouth.
Avoiding tobacco products and alcohol
Dr. Dt. Hatice Ağan “Tobacco products and alcohol not only threaten general health but also cause bad breath. Bad breath can be added to dozens of reasons to quit smoking and alcohol. Additions in the mouth due to smoking increase, tartar accumulation becomes easier. Smoking causes gum disease to progress more insidiously. Tobacco and excessive alcohol use are also one of the most important causes of oral cancers. says.
Consuming vegetables and fruits by biting
When consuming foods such as apples and carrots by biting, saliva increases and tooth surfaces are cleaned more easily. Eating by biting the fruit activates the secretion production of the salivary glands. Chewing sugar-free gum can also prevent bad breath by increasing the amount of saliva.
Source: (BHA) – Beyaz News Agency
