Don't cry foul ! Bad breath is treatable

Don’t cry foul!

Bad breath is treatable

A lot of people are embarrassed by bad breath, but it is a problem that can usually be solved. Certain foods and beverages can cause bad breath. When strong foods like onions and garlic are the cause, bad breath is only temporary. However, some people suffer from more permanent and lasting breath problems.


The causes of bad breath

Most bad breath, also known as halitosis, is caused by incomplete or insufficient oral hygiene, along with eating foods that contribute to bad breath. What you eat affects the air you exhale. Certain foods contribute to bad breath. Once the food is absorbed into the bloodstream, it is transferred to the lungs, where it is expelled.

Brushing, flossing and mouthwash will mask the odor only temporarily. Odors continue until the body eliminates the food. Dieters may develop unpleasant breath from infrequent eating.


Dry mouth

Another common cause of bad breath is dry mouth, which happens when the flow of saliva decreases. Saliva is necessary to cleanse the mouth and remove particles that may cause odor. Dry mouth happens naturally when you sleep. You may refer to it when you wake as “morning breath.” It is generally worse in those people who are “mouth breathers” or sleep with their mouths open and those who tend to snore more often.

Dry mouth also may be caused by certain medications, salivary gland problems, cancer chemotherapy, or head and neck radiation treatments. It also is simply more common to have dry mouth as you age. If you suffer from dry mouth, your dentist may prescribe artificial saliva or suggest using sugarless candy and increasing your fluid intake. 

And smokers? Almost all people who use tobacco have bad breath. Talk to your dentist about ways to kick the habit.  

Gum disease

Bad breath also may be a sign that you have other mouth issues, such as tooth decay or gum disease. One of the warning signs of gum disease is bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth. Gum disease is caused by plaque, the sticky, colorless film of bacteria that constantly forms on teeth.

The bacteria create toxins that irritate the gums. In the advanced stage of the disease, the gums, bone and other structures that support the teeth become damaged. With regular dental checkups, your dentist can detect and treat gum disease early. Sometimes, bad breath can be a sign of a more serious health issue. If your bad breath has a particular reoccurring odor; perhaps fishy, fruity or like ammonia, you might need to see your physician.

Diagnosis and treatment  

When you eat, minute particles of food get trapped between your teeth and in tiny grooves and bumps on your tongue. That’s why proper brushing and flossing are the first line of defense against bad breath.

Many people use mouthwash to combat bad breath, but most over-the counter rinses are just a temporary mask and do not solve the underlying problem. Your local West Michigan Dental Society member dentist may recommend a medicated mouthwash instead. With good care on your part and professional care from your dentist, you can combat bad breath and enjoy life with confidence.

Brought to you by the 600 members of the West Michigan District Dental Society in Kent, Ottawa, Ionia, Montcalm and Mecosta counties. West Michigan District Dental Society dentists are also members of the Michigan Dental Association.

Healthy Smile Series: The Periodontal Heart Connection

The evidence linking periodontitis to heart disease began in 1989 by a study in Finland, which observed that patients who had heart attacks had more severe oral conditions including periodontal disease and tooth decay. Several studies since have shown that a preexisting periodontal disease results in an increased risk for a heart attack or stroke.

These studies suggest that periodontal disease is not only associated with cardiovascular events like heart attack and stroke, but it is also associated with subclinical evidence of atherosclerosis including thickening of the vessel wall. These controlled studies indicate that periodontitis remains an independent contributor to heart disease. Caution is in order because these associations do not establish causality.

Recent evidence shows the relationship between gum disease and heart disease by demonstrating the presence of periodontal pathogens (bacteria & microorganisms) within the atheromatous plaque lesions of the vessels. We have long known that gum disease is associated with transient exposures of the bacteria into the blood (bacteria) and this is the reason why antibiotics are used as a prophylactic prevention prior to dental treatment for patients with heart murmurs and valve problems. New evidence is suggesting that these organisms can lodge in the vessel walls and persist. Thus the bacteria is associated with the plaques within the vessels themselves.

Other new information links gum disease with systemic inflammation, as measured by the production of liver proteins such as C-reactive protein. This protein has been known to be a risk factor for myocardial infarction or diagnosis of peripheral artery disease in otherwise healthy individuals. Mild elevations in C-reactive protein appear to confer risk for these cardiovascular complications. New research links gum disease as one potential cause for these elevations in this protein, thus suggesting another link between gum disease pathogens and heart disease risk.

There is also an association with known cardiovascular risk factors that are involved in systemic inflammation, and there is also evidence that the organisms are within the plaques. This represents a body of circumstantial evidence suggesting that this may be directly involved in the pathology associated with cardiovascular disease.

Regardless of the root causes for cardiovascular diseases, it stands to reason that good nutrition and good oral hygiene control of bacterial inflammation in the mouth are necessary components to help lower risk factors and prevent heart disease and its complications. Removing the oral bacteria meticulously well on a daily basis, and having regular periodic professional cleanings and dental checkups, as well as providing oneself with a diet high in necessary nutrients, will help reduce unnecessary risk factors that can lead to gum disease, heart disease and stroke.

Reference - Lee Ostler DDS

(Disclaimer: This information cannot be relied on for individual circumstances or substituted for medical advice from qualified health professionals.)