BadBreathFAQ.Com

Chronic bad breath is a physical condition that nobody wants to suffer from. From a medical angle, chronic bad breath is referred to as halitosis. It is a condition wherein your breath smells unpleasantly in a very persistent manner. This condition may come and go. But it remains with you unless treated accordingly.

Causes

Chronic bad breath can be caused by a lot of things. The mere food that you eat can trigger it. But more than anything, poor dental habits are the main cause of chronic bad breath in most people.
Patients who are suffering from certain medical conditions may develop it as well. Diseases of the kidney, lungs, intestines, and stomach are known to cause halitosis. There are also drugs that trigger bad breath as a side effect. If you think it's your drug, It may be wise to ask your doctor for an alternative.

Symptoms

The most common indication of bad breath is the offensive smell coming out of your mouth. Try smelling your saliva by licking your wrist. You can also exhale at the back of your hands and check if there's a foul smell originating from your mouth. The souring of your throat and the drying of your mouth may also be a symptom of halitosis.

Diagnosis

If you think you have bad breath, you have to consult with your dentist to find out its root cause. Once the reason for bad breath is determined, the dentist would be fit to provide the necessary treatment for it.
There are different ways to diagnose bad breath. Certain devices and meters may also be used. The most popular one is the halimeter. This device is used to measure the sulfide gas emitted by the mouth. Other techniques may also be performed to accurately determine the extent of bad breath in a person. Examples of these tests are the BANA test, gas chromatography, and the organoleptic testing among others.

Treatment

There are now several treatment therapies for bad breath. The newest one is the use of carbamide peroxide. Dentists usually put the solution in the mouth to eliminate all the bad breath-causing bacteria that could be present inside. The first treatment is usually done at the dentist's office. The remainder of the therapy can be performed at home. Also, specialized toothpastes and mouthwashes are still around to provide longer solution to bad breath. They are the better alternatives to gums and mints.

Prevention

While everybody may develop bad breath, it can be easily prevented with the right practice. The key is as simple as following proper oral hygiene. Brushing your teeth after meals is very helpful, as the food stuck between your teeth can cause bad breath. The use of mouthwash is also essential, especially for people who tend to suffer from bad breath.

Mouthwash can flush out all the bacteria in the mouth. It reaches the places that a regular tooth brush can't. You should also make it a point to visit your dentist regularly for checkups. Have your teeth checked twice a year to maintain your healthy smile and your fresh breath.