A significant number of people suffer from chronic halitosis (bad breath); however, many don’t seek help due to feelings of shame. This is a concerning fact because while bad breath is often caused by poor oral hygiene, other causes can be linked to serious health issues.
When bad breath is caused by oral problems, it typically smells like “rotten” eggs. This is due to the accumulation of debris on the front of the tongue or the gums, a byproduct of food breakdown in the mouth and poor oral hygiene.
If you notice bad breath, the first step is a dental check-up and good oral hygiene. The mouth is connected to the rest of the body, so unpleasant breath odors can indicate issues elsewhere in your body.
Your dentist in Zagreb, Europe, can identify the type of bad breath you have and help uncover its cause. This oral-systemic connection means that your dentist at Zagreb, Dental Center 4Smile, can identify potential problems in your mouth or elsewhere in your body.
Types of bad breath linked to systemic diseases:
– Cheese-like odor: Often indicates nasal origins, possibly a sinus infection.
– Fruity smell: May suggest uncontrolled diabetes.
– Fishy smell: Can indicate kidney disease, as increased urea levels cause a fishy odor.
– Acidic smell: Might be a sign of asthma or cystic fibrosis.
– Ammonia-like smell: Can point to kidney issues.
– Sweet, musty smell: May signal liver cirrhosis.
– Fecal odor: Could indicate bowel obstruction.
Common causes of bad breath
1. Dehydration:
This is the leading cause of bad breath, immediately after poor oral hygiene. Inadequate water intake allows food debris and bacteria to linger in the mouth, multiplying and worsening the odor. The solution is simple: drink more water! Hydration benefits the whole body.
2. Presence of gases in the mouth:
Certain gases can signal disease. For example:
– Excess methylamine may indicate liver or kidney disease.
– Ammonia can suggest kidney failure.
– Elevated acetone levels may point to diabetes.
– Nitric oxide levels can help diagnose asthma.
Scientists even found that a specific combination of gases might indicate throat cancer.
3. Athletes and breathing problems:
Athletes are more prone to breathing issues than the general population. According to a study by the European Respiratory Society, 1 in 10 outdoor exercisers experiences breathing problems such as asthma and dry mouth. Cyclists are particularly affected, with nearly 50% reporting issues. External factors like cold air, pollen, and pollution can dry out the mouth, leading to bad breath associated with allergies, nasal drainage, or chronic dryness. This doesn’t mean you should stop exercising but consider limiting outdoor workouts during extreme weather, allergy seasons, or in polluted areas.
4. Gum disease and heart disease:
These conditions are closely linked, with gingivitis serving as an early warning sign of cardiovascular problems. Bad breath is a primary symptom of gum disease. Treating gum disease not only eliminates bad breath but also improves heart health and preserves teeth.
5. Throat infections: Bad breath can be a sign of throat infections. The same bacteria that cause bad breath also infect the tonsils, leading to sore throats. A tonsillectomy (removal of the tonsils) can help treat both the infection and bad breath.
6. Pregnancy: Hormonal changes during pregnancy often cause swollen gums, making good oral hygiene crucial. Pregnant women should visit the dentist for professional cleanings to prevent gum bleeding, bad bacteria, and bad breath.
7. Stomach ulcers: When you think of ulcers, you likely imagine stomach pain and heartburn. However, bad breath is a key symptom of stomach ulcers. The bacteria responsible for ulcers, which can also lead to stomach cancer, cause very unpleasant breath.
Misleading solutions for bad breath
– Mints: While mints promise fresh breath, their effects are temporary. Worse, the sugar in mints feeds bacteria, worsening bad breath. Focus on proper oral hygiene instead.
– Mouthwash: Many mouthwashes temporarily kill bacteria, but they often eliminate both good and bad bacteria. Alcohol in mouthwash can also dry out the mouth, a condition that exacerbates bad breath. Consult your dentist in Zagreb to choose an appropriate mouthwash for daily oral care.
Conclusion
The number one cause of bad breath is poor oral hygiene. Halitosis is often the first sign of inadequate oral care, which can eventually lead to periodontal issues. Prevent gum disease and tooth decay with good at-home oral hygiene and regular visits to your dentist at Dental Center 4Smile in Zagreb at least once a year.
