How to cure bad breath. Causes of bad breath in children. How to treat a terrible smell

A person’s success in our world is determined not only by intelligence and quick thinking, determination, charisma and efficiency. Self-confidence, charm, and energy play a significant role in this. We are embarrassed by bad breath in the morning or at a dentist appointment. Bad breath disturbs us during important negotiations or romantic meetings, distracting us from work or preventing us from expressing our thoughts at the right time. Halitosis is the medical definition of this problem. Bad breath is already a psychological problem for some people and it is not only possible, but also necessary to solve it.

Are the reasons always the same?

Bad breath can occur suddenly, appear periodically, or be a constant companion throughout the day. There are different types of halitosis:

1. True halitosis (when people around you objectively notice unpleasant breathing in a person). The reasons for it can be both in the peculiarities of human physiology and metabolism, and can also act as a symptom of disease.
2. Pseudohalitosis (there is a subtle bad breath that is felt upon close contact with a person, to a large extent the patient himself exaggerates the scale of the problem).
3. Halitophobia (the patient is dominated by fear and the belief that his breath smells bad, and the dentist does not find obvious evidence of this).

Depending on whether the patient complains of “morning” breath (lack of freshness in the mouth upon waking) or “hungry” breath (unpleasant odor on an empty stomach), the doctor can suggest possible causes for its occurrence.

The main culprits of physiological halitosis are plaque on the teeth and the back third of the tongue, tartar, food debris in the mouth, “odorous” foods that a person ate the day before, microorganisms, tobacco, and alcohol. Saliva normally cleans the surface of the teeth and tongue, constantly reducing microbial activity due to its composition.

With poor oral hygiene and plaque accumulation, microorganisms (mainly anaerobic bacteria) produce hydrogen sulfide as a result of active life activity, which gives the exhaled air an unpleasant tint. During sleep, a person is at rest for a long time, the secretion of saliva and its movement in the mouth decreases, bacteria take advantage of this and, as a result, bad breath in the morning. After brushing your teeth and rinsing your mouth, all processes begin to move and the smell goes away.

Pathological halitosis can occur as a consequence of diseases of the teeth, gums, tonsils (oral), or be a symptom of diseases of other organs and systems (gastrointestinal tract, liver, respiratory system, etc.).

We are looking for the cause in the oral cavity

The main causes that are found in the human oral cavity and are associated with the appearance of bad breath are the following:

• carious cavities in teeth;
• accumulation of plaque in pathological gum pockets, formation of tartar (with periodontitis);
• the formation of a gingival “hood” over the erupting wisdom tooth and the ingress of food debris under it;
• stomatitis of various etiologies;
• diseases of the salivary glands, in which the viscosity of saliva and its cleansing abilities are sharply reduced;
• tongue diseases;
• the presence of orthopedic structures in the oral cavity (crowns, dentures, plates and braces in children);
• increased sensitivity and exposure of the necks of teeth with loss of bone tissue and gum atrophy, which makes it difficult to care for teeth and contributes to the accumulation of plaque.

Temporary effects on the composition and properties of saliva can be caused by medications (antibiotics, hormonal drugs, antihistamines) and stress. Saliva becomes viscous, viscous, and much less is produced, which causes the development of xerostomia (dry mouth).

Halitosis as a symptom of diseases

Bad breath can be a symptom of various diseases. In ancient times, doctors could diagnose an incipient disease by assessing breath and smell.

There are extraoral causes of the development of halitosis, i.e. not directly related to the oral cavity.

These include:

• diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (gastritis, gastroduodenitis, stomach ulcers, pancreatitis, insufficiency of the gastric sphincter, in which food is thrown back into the esophagus, which is accompanied by belching and heartburn);
• diseases of the liver and biliary tract (liver failure, hepatitis,). They are characterized by a “fishy”, “fecal” odor from the mouth, the smell of rotten eggs;
• chronic infections of the nasopharynx and areas adjacent to the oral cavity (rhinitis, adenoiditis, tonsillitis, sinusitis);
• respiratory tract infections;
• (smell of ammonia in exhaled air);
• metabolic diseases (diabetes mellitus).

How to assess breathing?

Many people who have unpleasant, repulsive breath are not even aware of the problem. It’s good if a loved one or friend points it out. But this is not always possible, relatives are afraid of offending their loved one, and colleagues prefer to reduce communication with him to a minimum. But the problem remains.

There are several ways to test yourself:

• ask someone close to you to evaluate your breath odor;
• lick your wrist (spoon, napkin), let dry and smell;
• Use odorless dental floss to clean the spaces between the teeth, dry, and evaluate the smell;
• use a pocket device (galimeter) to measure the concentration of hydrogen sulfide in exhaled air. The assessment is made on a scale from 0 to 4 points;
• If you want to know exactly the degree of bad breath, you can undergo an examination using special ultra-sensitive equipment from a specialist.

How to treat bad breath?

First of all, take care of your oral hygiene. Regularly clean your teeth according to all the rules, using not only a brush and toothpaste, but additional means: dental floss, a tongue scraper, rinses that reduce the concentration of bacteria in saliva. Many people do not suspect that the main accumulation of plaque occurs at the root of the tongue, on the back third of its back.

You need to clean your tongue every day. You can use a toothbrush for this purpose, on the back of the head of which there is a rubber spiked pad specifically for these purposes. But for some people, such cleaning causes a strong gag reflex. Specialists have developed special scrapers for cleaning the tongue for such patients. An option to reduce gagging during cleansing is to use toothpaste with a strong mint flavor or hold your breath while the scraper is in contact with the root of the tongue.

Even the familiar rinsing of the mouth with water after eating has a significant effect, removing food debris from the folds and preventing microbes from converting them into acids and hydrogen sulfide.

Mouthwashes and toothpastes

For people suffering from halitosis, it is recommended to use products containing antiseptics such as Triclosan, Chlorhexidine, and baking soda. It has been proven that a 0.12-0.2% solution of Chlorhexidine reduces the number of anaerobic bacteria by 81-95% over a period of 1.5-3 hours. A good effect is achieved by using rinses and toothpastes with Triclosan (0.03-0.05%). Toothpastes and gels containing 3-10% carbamide peroxide have an antihalitosis effect. But alcohol-containing mouthwashes, when used continuously, cause dry mucous membranes in the mouth and decreased saliva production.

Help from nature

To combat bad breath, our ancestors actively used preparations of plant and animal origin - propolis, alfalfa, chamomile, echinacea, myrtle, infusion of fresh dill, decoction of tansy with wormwood and yarrow (brewed for 15 minutes). Freshly brewed strong tea gives a good, but short-term deodorizing effect. Essential oils (essential) reduce bad breath for 90-120 minutes (mint, tea tree, clove, sage, grapefruit seed extract). The use of chewing gum in this case gives an even shorter result, masking the smell itself, but not eliminating the cause of its appearance.

Removing stones and plaque

A person can clean soft plaque on his own, but denser plaque can only be removed by a doctor using special tools. This is done mechanically or using ultrasound. At the time of cleaning the above and subgingival stones, the pathological pockets formed along the roots of the teeth due to periodontitis are simultaneously washed out.

Treatment of common diseases

If bad breath is a symptom of any chronic disease of internal organs or systems, comprehensive treatment is necessary. The dentist eliminates all causative factors in the oral cavity (plaque, stones, chronic inflammation of the gums), selects hygiene products and items, and the treatment of the underlying disease is carried out by a therapist together with other specialists.

The problem of bad breath is a common phenomenon familiar to many. But more often we pay attention to the other person and are not at all aware of the presence of bad breath in ourselves. Do the smell tests yourself, it's not difficult at all. It is possible that paying attention to your health will come back to you a hundredfold. Halitosis, which suddenly appears in a person, can be the first symptom of serious diseases, and a person who notices it in time significantly increases the chances of early detection of the problem. Therefore, its timely decision. Love yourself and take care of your health!

Anyone, at any time, can face a problem called “bad breath.” Basically, you can find out about its presence by seeing the reaction of your interlocutor, who with all his movements shows that he wants to move away from you or turn away. Frankly, a very unpleasant situation.

But you can avoid getting into such a situation if you closely monitor the freshness of your breath. It’s simple, you need to fold your palms as if you were taking water, bring it to your mouth, exhale sharply and inhale this air through your nose. The same terrible smell is felt by people around you.

Why does bad breath occur?

Usually, the smell appears for some reason. Therefore, first of all, this reason must be eliminated. The main sources in adults, as well as in children, can be:

What are the causes of bad breath? According to doctors, in the most common cases, an unpleasant odor is formed due to white plaque in the oral cavity, specifically on the tongue, cheeks and teeth. Plaque is formed due to the proliferation of anaerobic bacteria in the oral cavity, which often appears due to insufficient hygiene.

Many foods can cause bad breath. For example, garlic or onions can most strongly spoil your dialogue with someone. Also, watch your intake of fatty foods.

• Smoking addiction

Due to the negative impact of tobacco smoke on the oral mucosa, namely its drying, pathogenic bacteria can develop in the oral cavity, which become provocateurs of unpleasant odor and fumes.

• Dry mouth due to talking

Xerostomia is what dentists call this phenomenon. There are a number of professions that are closely related to constant speaking, which causes dry mouth. These include lecturers, lawyers, teachers, etc.

• Teeth and gums

It has long been known that the condition of teeth is directly related to unpleasant odor. When you visit your dentist, they will tell you about what is associated with periodontal problems. They cause a lot of trouble. Therefore, do not neglect visiting the dentist!

Also, the smell is very often present in the morning, because during the night many microbes appear in the mouth, which cause this problem.

Elimination of unpleasant odor

Now you know about the reasons that cause bad breath. Time to tell you what to do to fix it.

• Oral hygiene

Clean your mouth thoroughly. Moreover, when choosing a toothpaste, choose one that has antibacterial properties and, under no circumstances, buy those containing alcohol. They have an extremely negative effect on the oral mucosa, drying it out. And even more so, you can’t skimp on a toothbrush.

• Regular salt water

In case of bad breath due to problems with the gastrointestinal tract, there is a good recipe. It is simple and effective in dealing with troubles. For 10 days before breakfast, you need to drink a saline solution, a third of a glass (provided 1 tablespoon of salt per 1 tablespoon of water). Then, after about 10-20 minutes, have breakfast with porridge prepared with milk or, in extreme cases, yogurt. With this treatment, the smell will stop bothering you literally on the third day, but the treatment should be completed to the end.

• Oatmeal, sir

There are cases when the specific structure of internal organs affects the occurrence of bad breath, which is difficult to remove. For example, due to the large length of the small intestine, waste and food remain in its folds, which gives the smell. If you eat oatmeal cooked with water and without sugar, the unpleasant smell will stop bothering you altogether.

Coffee lovers who do not start their day without a cup of natural, freshly prepared coffee are among those people who experience virtually no discomfort associated with an unpleasant odor. It is known that coffee is an excellent odour-busting agent. So, if you chew a coffee bean, the unpleasant smell will leave you for some period.

• Drinking large amounts of liquid

Drinking plenty of fluids is considered very beneficial both for the whole body and for the oral cavity. In addition, in order for the body to function the way you need it, you need to drink at least 2 liters per day. liquids.

Moreover, it does not have to be only water; this includes tea without sugar and still mineral water. Melt water is considered very good. To do this, you don’t need to place pans under the icicles in winter; you need to take plain water, freeze it, and then defrost it. This type of water is easier for the body to absorb. In addition, this method kills two birds with one stone - it removes bad breath and makes your skin fresh, which prevents the appearance of wrinkles. This method is also perfect for those who want to get rid of the smell of alcohol in their mouth.

ethnoscience

Traditional medicine makes a significant contribution to the fight against bad breath. There is a whole layer of different healing infusions and remedies that can resolve the troubles between you and bad breath. We will tell you about several.

• Mint infusion

To prepare this infusion, take a tablespoon of dried or 5 leaves of freshly picked mint, pour one glass of boiling water over it and leave for 2-3 hours. You need to rinse your mouth with this infusion two or three times a day for at least two weeks. The infusion will be more effective than special oral tablets.

• Wormwood + chamomile + strawberry

Mix wormwood, chamomile and strawberries in equal parts, pour a tablespoon into a thermos, pour 2 cups of boiled hot water and leave. Like mint tincture, you need to rinse your mouth for 2 weeks.

• Oak bark tincture

Pour crushed oak bark (1 tbsp) into one glass of water (boiled, of course) and place in a water bath for half an hour. Then strain the resulting tincture. To get the desired effect, you need to rinse your mouth at least three times every 24 hours for 3 weeks.

Urgent removal of bad breath

In the event that time is pressing and you urgently need to get rid of an unpleasant odor, there are some methods that will help you. But it is worth considering that they are not long-term and you cannot get rid of the strong smell for the whole day. Although, this will give you peace of mind for a while and the thoughts of bad breath will calm down. Not for long. Go:

• Chewing gum. Ideally, of course, mint. You will have about 15 minutes of peace. However, it is worth considering that this method will not fit perfectly if you are planning a serious meeting.
• Spray for freshness. This spray prolongs freshness, compared to chewing gum, by as much as 5 minutes. And that's about 20 minutes. Plus, it will fit into any handbag.
• Parsley or peppermint. You need to chew one leaf very carefully, and most importantly, slowly. This will take no more than a minute, and take another minute to get rid of it. After this procedure, the unpleasant odor will leave you for about 1 hour.
• Fruit: apple or carrot. Literally one apple or carrot will relieve you of the unpleasant smell for about an hour or two. These fruits and vegetables are excellent fighters against unpleasant odors.

Pleasant communication consists of a verbal component.

But in addition to words, on a subconscious level, a person evaluates his interlocutor by appearance, gestures and breath. More than a quarter of the world's population suffers from halitosis.

And clean breathing creates an attractive image of a person. An unpleasant odor can create problems in communication, cause discomfort and self-doubt; the extreme manifestation of this condition is depression.

It happens, of course, that a person exaggerates the problem and it seems to him that his breath is stale. With the so-called pseudohalitosis, a psychotherapist who will understand the causes of self-doubt helps a lot.

Aromatization of breath is a temporary effect. It’s good if the smell is barely noticeable or occurs very rarely. But persistent or regular bad breath is a cause for concern.

The first cause of the problem is usually dental disease. We will tell you in this article whether there are other predisposing factors.

Halitosis, why does it smell like that?

Halitosis (osostomia, pathological stomatodysonia) is the term used to describe putrid odor from the mouth. This smell is disgusting because it usually indicates that it contains toxic substances.

These may be rotting products or toxins formed as a result of the activity of pathogenic bacteria. Sometimes an unpleasant odor is caused by eating garlic or onions, or sauces containing them.

This is because these products contain large amounts of sulfur, which is known to smell bad, but is not a disease and is easily remedied.

The nature of the smell can be divided into 6 types:

1. Rotten egg or hydrogen sulfide smell. This aroma may be a sign of digestive problems, especially if there are other complaints such as flatulence, dyspepsia, or a white coating on the back of the tongue.
2. A sour smell, especially after eating, is a manifestation of the inflammatory process in the stomach.
3. A putrid odor with a bitter taste in the mouth occurs when bile stagnates in the biliary tract. Pain in the right side and an unpleasant odor are reasons to consult a doctor.
4. The smell of rotten apples, acetone and a sweet taste in the mouth occurs with diabetes; it is necessary to quickly be examined by an endocrinologist who will prescribe treatment.
5. A sharp ammonia smell and taste of urea in the mouth occurs with severe pathology of the urinary system.
6. Putrid odor from the mouth, the causes of which are inadequate cleaning of the teeth and tongue.
7. An iodine aroma occurs with excessive consumption of this microelement.

Causes of bad breath

Persistent bad breath is a reason to look for the disease that caused it. Provoking factors for halitosis may be the following:

• dental diseases;
• diseases of the ENT organs;
• pathology of the gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, endocrine system;
• smoking and drinking alcohol;
• consumption of products with a pronounced aroma;
• decrease in saliva (in old age, natural atrophy of the mucous membranes and glands develops);
• long-term use of certain medications (hormonal, antiallergic, sedative and diuretic drugs, antibiotics).

Let's take a closer look at why it smells bad.

Dental causes of stale amber

First of all, when troubled by an unpleasant odor, people turn to the dentist. Indeed, most of the population simply do not have proper oral hygiene skills.

Pieces of food stuck between teeth or in gum pockets begin to decompose over time, creating a characteristic aroma. Remains of rot in the mouth are a breeding ground for bacteria.

Children and teenagers face this problem because they do not have the habit of brushing their teeth after every meal, and also simply do not do it thoroughly enough.

Inflammatory processes are the source of bad breath. These include:

• gingivitis;
• periodontitis;
• stomatitis;
• periodontitis;
• glossitis;
• caries.

A predisposing factor for the development of these inflammatory processes is plaque on the teeth, tongue and tartar.

Food residues in dentures and tissue trauma due to improperly installed dentures contribute to inflammation and the proliferation of putrefactive microorganisms.

In addition, saliva plays an important role in cleaning the oral cavity. It not only contains enzymes to begin digestion, but also microelements for the mineralization of enamel tissue and substances that kill pathogenic microflora.

Diseases of the salivary glands, accompanied by a decrease and thickening of saliva, lead to the appearance of an unpleasant odor.

Dry mouth also happens if a person does not follow the drinking regime or often breathes through the nose; this is often observed in children with nasal congestion.

Old people experience natural atrophy of the cells of the mucous and salivary glands, so they often complain of dry mouth.

Nicotine and cigarette tar disrupt salivation, contribute to the appearance of erosions and ulcers of the oral cavity, and worsen the mineralization of enamel. This leads to the appearance of the characteristic smell of a smoking person.

At your appointment, the dentist will definitely diagnose all these conditions, prescribe treatment and give recommendations for prevention, so you should contact the dental clinic at least 2 times a year.

Odor in diseases of the ENT organs and respiratory system

Bad breath should suggest not only inflammatory dental pathologies, but also diseases of the ENT organs.

Rhinosinusitis, tonsillitis, laryngitis and pharyngitis, especially purulent processes, are accompanied by bad breath.

A constantly stuffy nose forces a person to breathe through the mouth, while the oral mucosa dries out, which makes it difficult to cleanse it naturally.

The same is true for respiratory diseases when a lot of sputum is produced: bronchitis, pneumonia and tuberculosis.

Odor and gastrointestinal diseases

One of the common causes of bad breath is indigestion due to various diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

This can be with gastritis, ulcerative lesions of the stomach and duodenum, pathology of the biliary tract and intestines, pancreatitis.

Undigested food becomes a medium for the development of pathogenic flora, their metabolic products (indole, skatole), rotting food debris and the smell of human exhaled air.

Indigestion is accompanied by other signs: bloating, pain and rumbling in the abdomen, abnormal bowel movements (diarrhea or constipation), yellow or white coating on the tongue.

Strict diets contribute to digestive disorders, as they are accompanied by food restrictions; the lack of well-formed chyme contributes to the proliferation of pathogenic flora.

Overeating is accompanied by a relative lack of digestive enzymes, the retention of food in the digestive tract, which ferments and rots, which causes rotten breath.

Other causes of unpleasant odor

Less commonly, halitosis is caused by severe diseases of the urinary system, when the kidneys cannot cope with the removal of toxic substances.

Then toxins accumulate in the blood and are released through the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract and respiratory tract, and sweat glands.

In diabetes mellitus, high sugar cannot be absorbed by tissues, the need for energy is met by the breakdown of fats, resulting in the formation of acetone.

The characteristic smell of rotten apples occurs when blood glucose is not controlled.

How to tell if you have odor

Not everyone will dare to ask other people about such a delicate problem. How to tell for yourself if your breath smells. There are simple tips:

Before brushing with toothpaste, brush the interdental spaces with floss and smell it. Exhale into your clasped hands and smell the skin of your palm.

If you do not like the aroma, then consult a doctor, he will help you find the causes of this phenomenon.

Halitosis in childhood

Parents often notice bad breath in their children. Normally, children's breath is free of foreign odors, but unpleasant ones will cause natural concern.

The main causes of halitosis in children coincide with the provoking factors in adults, these include the following:

1. Teething is accompanied by damage and inflammation of the gums, so during this period it is necessary to monitor the cleanliness of the baby’s mouth.
2. Insufficient drinking regime provokes indigestion, decreased saliva and dry mouth.
3. Mental unrest and an unfavorable emotional background contribute to the drying out of the oral mucosa.
4. An unbalanced diet, when fatty and salty foods predominate, contributes to digestive disorders.
5. Children are more susceptible to nasopharyngeal diseases.

If you correctly teach your baby how to care for his mouth, this skill will continue to be present in adults.

Children themselves rarely pay attention to this problem, so parents should regularly bring their children for preventive medical examinations at the dentist.

How to deal with bad breath

Treating bad breath involves treating the underlying cause. Only a specialist can determine the provoking condition.

More than three-quarters of cases relate to poor hygiene and oral diseases, so contact your dentist promptly. He will prescribe treatment and recommend products for proper cleaning of the oral cavity.

It is advisable to thoroughly brush not only your teeth, but also the interdental spaces and tongue. Dental floss, tongue brushes and rinses will help with this.

You should take your choice of toothpaste seriously; choose fluoridated products only if recommended by your dentist. But what to do if you can’t get to the doctor today, but there is still bad breath.

The following tricks will help:

• Chew coffee beans for 3-4 minutes or eat instant coffee on the tip of a teaspoon;
• chew dill or parsley;
• use a mouthwash or a solution of triclosan and chlorhexidine.

A good anti-inflammatory and deodorizing effect will come from daily use of decoctions of chamomile, sage, oak bark, yarrow, preparations with propolis and tea tree extract.

If the problem of putrid breath is not related to dental diseases, then the dentist will recommend a specialist for further examination.

You may need to be examined by an otolaryngologist, gastroenterologist, endocrinologist or nephrologist. In any case, you should not delay contacting a doctor.

Halitosis is an unpleasant symptom, but it can and should be combated. Get examined, brush your teeth, eat right, don’t be afraid of dentists and you will become a pleasant conversationalist with fresh breath.

Useful video

Bad breath appears mainly due to diseases of the digestive system. But this problem can be dealt with, since the methods for eliminating it are quite simple and effective - you just need to correctly diagnose the cause of bad breath. As a rule, it occurs due to the proliferation of anaerobic bacteria on the tongue, in the space between the teeth, and around them.

Causes of bad breath

Why does a bad smell occur? The main cause of bad odor is white substance, which covers the root of the tongue, is where bacteria live. Along with this, the unpleasant odor is caused by the accumulation of microorganisms in other parts of the oral cavity.

What determines the intensity of an unpleasant odor? It is usually associated with the following factors:

• The activity of bacteria living in the mouth.
• Conditions that stimulate the growth and number of these microorganisms.
• Poor oral hygiene, which causes their accumulation.

Strong-smelling food

Other causes of bad breath include consuming strong-smelling foods. Some of them like onion or garlic, are famous for causing unpleasant odors. Their molecules, when digested, are absorbed by the body and then removed from it with the help of the blood.

Some, which have a characteristic unpleasant odor, enter the lungs with the bloodstream. From there, they evaporate when you exhale, which becomes the problem of bad breath. Usually, the odor caused by strong-smelling foods goes away on its own after some time, once these particles leave the body. To prevent bad breath, you just need to avoid eating such foods or limit their consumption.

Smoking

Surely each of us has had occasion to communicate with smokers whose breathing differs specific smell. The main causes of bad odor in smokers are nicotine, tar and other substances that make up cigarette smoke. They tend to accumulate in the mouth and attach to the teeth, gums, tongue, and cheek tissues. To completely get rid of such effects of tobacco smoke, you need to quit smoking.

It is worth noting that smokers suffer from dehydration of oral tissues, causing the moisturizing and disinfecting properties of saliva to become weaker, and this is fertile ground for the activity of bacteria. Smokers are also more susceptible to periodontal disease than others. Gum disease occurs due to the proliferation of bacteria.

Dry mouth

Surely you have noticed that in the morning, as soon as we open our eyes, our breath is not fresh. This is due to the fact that the body produces less saliva at night than during the day, causing dryness occurs. Dry mucous membranes are often found in people whose work involves speech, for example, teachers or lawyers have to talk a lot, which often causes them to feel dry mouth.

This concerns occupational dry mouth, but there is also a disease called xerostomia, which causes chronic lack of moisture. Sufferers of this disease experience difficulty in the struggle for fresh breath. Because moisture promotes natural cleansing of bacteria. Saliva consists of special substances that have antiseptic properties, therefore it leads to the death of microorganisms and neutralizes the remains of their vital activity.

Side effects from certain medications cause xerostomia. The appearance of the disease can be caused by antidepressants, antihistamines, diuretics, narcotic substances. Dry mouth can increase with age, since the salivary glands are no longer able to work with the same strength, and changes occur in its composition. Cleansing properties weaken. Those suffering from xerostomia are more likely than others to experience gum problems, so it needs to be treated.

Periodontal diseases

Why is there still an unpleasant odor? Gum disease also causes bad breath. Periodontal disease is the second most common cause of its appearance after bacteria. People over 35 years of age are susceptible to them, and the older you are, the higher the risk. Periodontal disease occurs due to infection of the soft tissues surrounding the tooth.

If they are not cured in time, this may cause bone damage, to which the teeth are attached. As the disease progresses, tissue sheds from the area between the teeth and gums, forming pockets in which bacteria can grow. The deeper the pocket, the more difficult it is to clean, so it harbors a large number of microorganisms that cause a putrid odor.

Other diseases

Allergies and diseases of the upper respiratory tract lead to the formation of mucous secretions that descend from the nasal cavity into the mouth, causing an unpleasant odor.

Sinus diseases, accompanied by nasal congestion, force you to breathe through the mouth, which leads to dry mucous membranes and bad breath. With it, patients often take antihistamines, which also cause dry mouth.

Often the causes of putrid breath are diseases of the oral cavity. Any inflammatory process caused by an infection can be the reason for this, for example, this situation is observed with a tooth abscess or the eruption of a wisdom tooth. If you have untreated carious teeth in your mouth, a lot of bacteria and food debris accumulate in them, causing bad breath. Oral diseases must be treated promptly.

Diseases of the internal organs can cause putrid breath. If the patient has tried all means of removing bad breath, but there was no effect, then it is necessary to visit a therapist. Your doctor will likely have an idea of ​​your health and can suggest a possible cause of bad breath. For example, a bad odor may be associated with diseases of the liver, kidneys, and gastrointestinal tract.

Treatment

The main source of putrid breath is sulfur compounds secreted by microorganisms living in the oral cavity. To reduce the risk of developing oral diseases and get rid of bad breath caused by uninvited guests, it is necessary to carry out treatment, which consists of high-quality hygiene. It is as follows:

• Bacteria are not given the opportunity to feed.
• Reduce their number.
• Do not create conditions for their development.

How to deprive microorganisms of nutrients?

Bad breath is caused by waste products that bacteria produce when digesting proteins. Therefore, vegetarians are less likely to suffer from bad breath than those whose diet consists primarily of protein foods - meat. After each meal, food particles remain between the teeth and on the base of the tongue, which provide food for anaerobic bacteria. To deprive them of this opportunity, it is necessary to thoroughly clean the oral cavity after each meal by rinsing the mouth.

To remove bacterial waste products that settle as plaque on the teeth and along the gum line, you need to use a toothbrush and floss. To eradicate bad breath, you should take good quality food every day. clean the space between teeth using dental floss, since it is inaccessible to a toothbrush.

Visit the dentist

Contacting a dentist will help if independent measures to combat bad breath are unsuccessful. This must be done for the following reasons:

1. Not everyone knows how to effectively brush and floss their teeth. During the consultation, the doctor will definitely conduct a master class on manipulating these objects.
2. To effectively brush your teeth, you need to remove the accumulated tartar, which will be removed by your dentist.
3. To identify periodontal diseases that cause damage to the teeth and surrounding bones. If the disease is present, the doctor will prescribe treatment. In addition, in advanced stages it is impossible to effectively clean out the pockets that have formed on your own.
4. During the examination, the doctor may detect other diseases that cause bad breath and prescribe treatment.
5. If a doctor in his specialty does not find any problems, he can refer you to a therapist for examination, explaining the possible problems.

​To clean the surface of the tongue from accumulated bacteria, use a toothbrush or a special item for cleaning it. Move forward from the root of the tongue. To effectively clean your tongue, use toothpaste that neutralizes sulfur secretions. Pastes with chlorine dioxide or zinc will give freshness to your breath.

Use rinse aids

Liquid mouth rinses can be effective in protecting fresh breath when used in conjunction with regular brushing and flossing, and cleansing the tongue. The following properties can be used as a treatment for bad breath:

• Antibacterial.
• Neutralizing volatile sulfur compounds.

Rinse aids contain substances that can neutralize bad odor:

• Chlorine dioxide or sodium chlorite.
• Zinc.
• Antiseptic action.
• Cetylpyridone chloride.

So, the main reason for the appearance of bad breath is the accumulation of microorganisms that feed on protein particles, leaving waste from their vital activity. To drive out uninvited guests and reduce their population, you should carry out high-quality brushing of your teeth and tongue using dental floss and rinses.

Halitosis is a rather delicate problem that reduces the quality of life and brings discomfort to a person. Bad breath in adults, the causes and treatment of which are inextricably linked, can be easily eliminated at home. However, in some cases, specialist help will be required.

Why does my breath smell bad?

There are physiological reasons for bad odor. So, in the morning, everyone can feel it, because during the night saliva did not have time to clean the oral cavity, because during sleep its production slows down. Halitosis is common in older people. The fact is that with age, the amount of saliva produced decreases.

Sometimes, under the influence of medications taken, the composition of saliva changes, its properties deteriorate, and it begins to be produced to a lesser extent. Dry mouth causes a foul odor, because it is saliva that maintains a healthy acid-base balance, washes away plaque, which contains many harmful microorganisms, and destroys bacterial cells that cause bad breath.

1. avitaminosis;
2. botulism;
3. radiation damage.

Bad breath can be caused by diet. Fasting triggers a process in which the body begins to consume stored fats. When they decompose, ketones are produced and cause a sweet or sour odor. In this case, fresh breath will return only after leaving the diet. The same goes for overeating and poor personal oral hygiene. After a hearty lunch or dinner, pieces of stuck food begin to rot, causing a disgusting smell.

Bad odors from some foods can last up to 24 hours. These include:

• spicy seasonings;
• onion and garlic;
• herring and canned food;
• carbonated drinks;
• spicy meat products;
• alcohol and coffee;
• dairy products;
• horseradish;

This food contributes to the formation of plaque, and as it penetrates the digestive system, compounds are formed that disrupt the acid-base balance in the mouth. At the same time, bacteria actively multiply.

Types of unpleasant odor

1. True. People around you clearly notice the unpleasant odor. The reasons may be physiological characteristics, the development of pathologies of internal organs, diseases of the teeth and gums.
2. Pseudohalitosis. The breath with it is not entirely fresh and is felt only when in close contact with a person. Usually this problem occurs due to violations of personal hygiene rules and the consumption of certain foods.
3. Halitophobia. The adult has no obvious problems, his breath does not smell at all, but he is convinced of the opposite. The psychological factor plays a big role here.

The nature of the smell can indicate specific pathologies, namely:

1. Rotten talks about dental problems.
2. Putrid is a consequence of a purulent process in the respiratory tract or the development of intestinal dysbiosis. This often occurs in people who abuse alcohol. A putrid odor is felt when the walls of the esophagus decompose, if there is a malignant tumor.
3. The breath of those who suffer from diabetes or kidney disease smells like acetone.
4. A slight odor that appears when exhaling or during coughing indicates lung disease.
5. Bitterness in the mouth and a yellow tongue indicate problems with the gallbladder.
6. A sour smell is characteristic of people suffering from pancreatitis and diabetes.
7. A bitter and pungent taste indicates problems with the pancreas.
8. Rottenness indicates the development of chronic gastritis.
9. The smell of ammonia is a consequence of chronic renal failure.

To understand how your breath actually smells, you can use a regular spoon. You need to turn it over and run it across your tongue so that a little plaque or saliva remains on the spoon. The smell emanating from them indicates the quality of their breath.

Causes of true halitosis

• carious cavities;
• tartar;
• large accumulation of plaque;
• the presence of crowns, braces, plates;
• diseases of the tongue and gums;
• decreased saliva viscosity;
• stomatitis and other inflammations of the mucous membrane.

Halitosis can be a symptom of diseases such as:

1. respiratory infection (gangrene, tuberculosis, lung abscess, bronchiectasis);
2. renal failure;
3. kidney diseases (nephrosis, cystitis, pyelonephritis);
4. diabetes;
5. gastrointestinal pathologies (gastritis, colitis, ulcers);
6. diseases of the liver and biliary tract (cholecystitis, cholelithiasis, hepatitis, cirrhosis);
7. diseases of the ENT organs (sinusitis, otitis media, sinusitis);
8. disruption of the endocrine system (imbalance of sex hormones affects the properties of saliva);
9. Sjogren's disease (decreased secretion of the salivary glands).

In almost half of the cases, the cause of halitosis in adults is an unhealthy liver and pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract. The saddest cause of bad breath can be cancer of the stomach or esophagus. There is no need to rush to diagnose any disease in yourself if there is no fresh breath. After all, this situation occurs periodically in every person.

The appearance of a foul odor may be associated with constant constipation, flu and menstruation, and poor personal hygiene. When smoking a cigarette in the mouth, the process of cleansing the mucous membrane is disrupted. At the same time, the amount of oxygen released decreases and microorganisms begin to multiply. This bad habit also causes the formation of tartar and the development of gum inflammation. The presence of dentures and plates provokes the development of halitosis. It manifests itself especially strongly in the case of poor care of the surface of the dentures. After all, many bacteria multiply here, which create a bad smell.

Anti-odor medicine

To eliminate bad breath in an adult, you must first identify the cause of its occurrence. Sudden onset halitosis may be a consequence of the development of a serious pathology. Therefore, you need to conduct an examination of the body, get advice from specialists and start therapy as quickly as possible.

First of all, dental problems should be eliminated and dentures replaced with new ones, if necessary. You may need dental fillings to prevent caries, tooth extraction, or treatment for gum disease. The doctor usually prescribes a special toothpaste, dental gel and other antibacterial drugs. Sometimes the problem of low salivation needs to be corrected.

If after the procedures the bad breath persists, you should consult a therapist. In case of rotten breath, which is the result of an ulcer or gastritis, you need to visit a gastroenterologist. An endocrinologist will help dispel suspicions of diabetes. The nose should not be stuffy, because forced breathing through the mouth provokes dryness in the oral cavity. Also, in case of rhinitis or sinusitis, you need to visit an ENT doctor, in case of bronchial disease - a pulmonologist, in case of diabetes - an endocrinologist.

It is better to remove from your diet foods that cause bad breath. To eliminate halitosis, you can use special deodorizing agents, dental floss, irrigator, and ultrasonic brush.

Self-treatment

For those who prefer treatment at home, traditional methods of combating halitosis are suitable. Below are popular recipes:

1. For rinsing, you should use an infusion of sorrel. 3 teaspoons of raw material are poured into 0.5 liters of boiling water and left for 2 hours. After this, filter the mixture and rinse your mouth with it.
2. Strawberry leaves in the amount of 1 tablespoon are poured with 2 cups of boiling water and left for 3-4 hours. You should drink half a glass of the composition every day.
3. An infusion of wormwood is suitable as a rinse. You need to brew 1 teaspoon of it with a glass of boiling water and leave for 20 minutes. Rinse 2-3 times a day after meals.
4. A decoction of sorrel leaves is taken internally. A tablespoon of raw material is poured into 500 ml of water and boiled for 15 minutes. After this, the composition is removed and left for 2 hours. The solution is divided into 4 parts and drunk throughout the day before meals.
5. The following effective remedy will help eliminate the unpleasant odor. You need to take 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and rinse your mouth with it for 10 minutes. Flaxseed, sea buckthorn, and olive oil are suitable.
6. You need to brew 2 teaspoons of anise seeds in a glass of boiling water. The composition must be left for 20 minutes and strained. After eating, rinse your mouth and throat thoroughly with it. This plant has bactericidal and anti-inflammatory effects.
7. You can freshen your breath with berries. Suitable juices include cranberry, sea buckthorn, rosehip, strawberry and raspberry tea.

Any treatment must be accompanied by compliance with the rules of personal hygiene and preventive measures:

1. After each meal, you need to rinse your mouth with water or a special solution. It is advisable that it does not contain alcohol.
2. You should brush your teeth twice a day, and don’t forget about your tongue. It is also cleared of plaque.
3. It is necessary to monitor the cleanliness of dentures, braces, and orthodontic plates.
4. It's better to get rid of bad habits.
5. You need to visit the dentist once every six months. You can carry out special hygienic cleaning on it, which will deprive bacteria of the nutrient medium.
6. You need to drink more water, it helps in the fight against unpleasant odor by promoting the secretion of saliva.
7. It is better to use personal hygiene products that contain only natural ingredients.
8. You need to pay attention to your diet. It is better to include more vegetables and fruits in it. It is useful to eat rolled oats; it helps produce saliva.
9. You can eat 1-2 apples on an empty stomach in the morning, after rinsing your mouth.
10. To eliminate the smell after eating a product, you need to drink strong, freshly brewed tea.

Do not overuse chewing gums and mouthwashes. They provide only a short-term effect and can sometimes make the problem worse. After all, they kill natural microflora. Instead of chewing gum, it is better to use calamus root, clove seeds, mint, and dill. The use of lollipops and tablets can cause the development of caries, so you should not get carried away with them either.

It is useless to self-treat halitosis if pathology of internal organs develops or there is inflammation in the mouth or dental caries. A doctor who will prescribe a comprehensive treatment to eliminate bad breath will help solve such problems. The main rule remains giving up bad habits and eating healthy food.