Having Bad Breath Questions? Ask About Halitosis Question Online

Usually, bad breath gradually increases the level of bad odor in the mouth - on a fairly gradual basis.  In this dentistry blog, we will be discussing the bacteria and the growth of plaque in the mouth.  We will discuss how plaque becomes calculus.  Calculus formation in the mouth happens when plaque is allowed to stay and grow over a period of time. 

What Makes Up That Odor?

The odor molecules that are spread with wind and air, will bind to the smell receptors in our nasal passages and our brains translate the message into an odor or smell. 

As the moist air flows out of our lungs usually in warmer temperature and then will travel across the mucosal covering of the throat and mouth, it acts a lot like the wind.  Any odors drifting off tissues or teeth that are carried along to our nose or the nose of others in our vicinity can smell the odor. Garlic carries a distinct reputation due to the potent molecules that possess a unique odor profile. Coffee and Onion are 2 other foods and drinks that can leave a distinct smell or odor.

Sometimes, bad breath is related to an underlying health illness or health disease. This can include Diabetes, bronchitis, chronic sinus infections, liver conditions, or respiratory infections that can carry a bad odor.  Another is the a variety of prescription drugs that are known to reduce spit or reduce saliva production in the mouth. These drugs or medications may cause dry mouth conditions.  If you haven’t had a physical and blood tests in the recent past, it’s always a good idea to have your doctor check for these possibilities.  Those that may be taking anti-depressant meds or high blood pressure medications - and then notice their mouth being dry should consult with their dentist for special mouthwash and may need more frequent dental prophy cleanings. These drugs or medications are known to dry the mouth of people.  Don’t stop taking your medications but do speak with your physician and dentist.  Sometimes your physician may not be aware of these drug's side-effects.  Hence, it is good to let them know if you or someone you know is experiencing dry mouth due to the meds they are taking.

Main concerns of Bad Mouth Odor and Bad Breath Discussion Online:

While bad breath can show up due to systemic health problems and certain medicines, chances are it's really about those pesky bacteria. Our mouths provide an ideal home for bacteria and their waste products, including gases and toxic compounds.  Some bacteria release a sulfur gas that just smells nasty and taints your breath.  Even though so many bacteria make the mouth their home, it doesn’t mean bad breath is inevitable.

When you wake up at the break of dawn, you’re going to emit a little morning breath. During your sleep, the amount of saliva you produce drops by 90%. This dry, parched landscape is perfect for bacterial overgrowth and their nasty sulfur gases. Cavities, inflamed gums, excessive calculus, or poorly maintained dentures are bacteria-related problems, as well. There’s a difference though.  These problems need professional follow-up by your dentist. So if you’re frustrated with bad breath, make sure you’re completely caught up on your dental check-ups.  Gum disease tends to have a distinct smell that you're not going to just brush away.  In many cases, these problems don’t involve pain, and odor can be your only sign that something isn't quite right.

Ok. But How Do I Reverse Bad Breath?

You might be a champion with your daily routine.  You never fail to brush and floss like a hero. More so, you never miss the hour with your favorite hygienist twice each year.  But you can’t figure out, “Why do I have bad breath?”

It’s easy to overlook the quiet, yet prominent, member of the oral cavity: The tongue. If you really look at the surface of your tongue under a microscope, you see a thickly textured surface that provides us with taste and feel. It’s a little like a shag carpet.  Have you ever seen what comes out of a carpet after shampooing, even when it looks decent on top to the naked eye? That’s not much different than your tongue.

A conglomeration of food by-products, bacteria, and dead tissue cells get matted down into this surface. A toxic mix of debris ends up stuck, and that can be a major reason for bad breath, even in the most conscientious people.  If this is true, then learning to clean the tongue might make a big difference for your bad breath problem.

Using your favorite toothbrush, brush your tongue as far back as you can without causing yourself to gag.  Scrub both sides and the top with a little enthusiasm.  Include your favorite toothpaste to produce a foamy, fresh slurry to freshen everything up.

Getting Better

The best way to really freshen the tongue is to engage a tool designed to complete the task. Tongue cleaners aren’t complicated, but they're really effective.  If you've ever used a thatching rake on your backyard to drag out the dead stuff, you'll understand how it works.  A tongue cleaner could be just what your dentists ordered, and starting your day with this simple tool might boost your breath...and your confidence.

Many people want to reach for a mouthwash if they're looking for ways to freshen bad breath. Unfortunately, you may end up amplifying the situation. Most rinses are comprised of plenty of alcohol that dries out the mouth. This drying effect lowers the pH. Rinses are a lot like perfume for the mouth.  Perfume might hide body odor, but it doesn’t fix the source problem. A mouth rinse might cover up the offensive odor for a while, but it doesn’t take care of the root cause.

There is a variety of mouth wash rinses that may be effective. Make sure to use the mouthwash correctly. These products bind sulfur gas, produce a neutral pH, and wipe out 99% of the odor-causing bacteria. The American Dental Association has many dental specialties - including dentists that specialize in severe gum disease treatment that are called periodontists.

“Why do I have bad breath?”  Bad Breath Blog and Gum Disease Information:

Gum disease is one of the main reasons, as has been discussed in many local bad breath blogs including in this one, of causing bad breath. 

Be cautious if you choose to cover up bad breath with mints, candies, and menthol cough drops. Most are chock full of sugar and increase the acidity of the oral environment. You could go from perfect teeth to a whole bunch of cavities with this destructive habit.  A good alternative includes xylitol-sweetened candies, and you’ll discover a few options online or in your local pharmacy.  Xylitol is a natural sweetener that works differently than other products. It actually disturbs your bad mouth bacteria and prevents them from prospering. Use it.

The Bottom Line

At this point, you should have a few more ideas about “Why do I have bad breath?”  To put it into a take-home message, here’s what you need to remember:

1.  Check out your overall health with your medical doctor. Be sure to discuss the side-effects of any medications you're using.
2. Don’t skip regular dental visits and complete treatment recommendations. Follow-through pays big dividends.
3. Establish the best home oral care habits including brushing and flossing.  Consider an electric toothbrush or can use a variety of water floss products you can use on a daily basis. They really work in your favor.
4. Add a tongue-scraper to your morning routine.
5. There are a variety of Mouthwash Products one can use.

At Just Dental, we bring patients and dentists together online for real conversations. Our real-time platform helps you find the answers and resources you need. Looking for a dentist in your area? Start chatting now and get the help you need. 

- Having Bad Breath Questions, Ask About Halitosis Question Online / Ask Why Have Bad Breath, Bad Breath Chat, Online Bad Breath Question Chatting & Halitosis Question:

In this online dentist blog, we discussed why people have bad breath or what is dentally termed as a halitosis problem. Bad breath as we learned in this local dental blog can be caused by various reasons. Ask Your Dentist Why You are Getting Bad Breath? Halitosis Chat Online with us at Just Dental. We have several Bad Breath Blogs on Just Dental - as well as articles about a wide variety of dentistry topics.