2. o We have noticed that awareness amongst people regarding their oral care, as well as a spirit of enquiry
on this topic are on the rise. So we are attempting to bring to you an entire chapter to educate you on
the topic of bad breath and on how best to ensure a complete oral care regime to deal with. Now a days
every third person complains of having bad breath.
o HALITOSIS – is a term which is used to describe unpleasant odors exhaled in breathing .
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INTRODUCTION
3. In majority of the cases it originates from poor oral hygiene ( especially from gums and tongue).When the
debris ( food particles ) are retained in the mouth, bacteria start acting on those debris leading to decay of the
food particles. The decay and debris produce a sulphur compound that causes the unpleasant odor called
halitosis ( bad breath).
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HOW IT OCCURS?
4. There are a number of factors which contribute to bad breath. Some of these are:
1. The most important and common cause is the poor oral hygiene which mainly originates from gums and tongue.
Bad breath is also a sign of gum disease. Patients with red , swollen gums which bleed after or during brushing leads
to halitosis. Tongue which is not cleaned properly also leads to bad breath.
2. Dry mouth is also a very important cause as saliva helps in washing away the food particles and bacteria from the
mouth hence helps in keeping the bad odor under control. For example: Cancer patients undergoing radiation
therapy may experience dry mouth so they fall an easy prey to bad breath
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CAUSES OF BAD BREATH
5. There are a number of factors which contribute to bad breath. Some of these are:
3. Nose is also a source of halitosis mainly in Sinus infections.
4. Patients having systemic diseases like Diabetes Mellitus, Kidney Failure, Liver Malfunction or Lower Respiratory Tract
Infections like Lung infections or Bronchial infections.
5. On eating certain foods such as Onions and Garlic also cause exhalation of bad odor.
6. Dieting and even Hormonal changes , Smoking and Alcohol consumption also lead to this.
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CAUSES OF BAD BREATH
6. o Bad breath is usually worse upon awakening in the morning as salivary glands slow down the production
of saliva during sleeping ultimately allowing bacteria to grow in mouth.
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CAUSES OF BAD BREATH
7. 1. By maintaining good oral hygiene by brushing twice and flossing at least once in a day as flossing removes debris
stuck in between teeth.
2. By cleaning the tongue either with back of the tooth brush or a tongue cleaner/ tongue scraper.
3. If the patient is wearing any artificial removable appliance such as orthodontic retainers or dentures then proper
cleaning of appliance before placing in mouth is necessary as these are the main source of bacteria and food particles.
4. Drink as much water as one can to keep your mouth moist.
5. Chewing on sugar free gums may help to stimulate saliva production hence controls odor.
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STANDARDS TO CONTROL BAD BREATH
8. 6. Avoid eating food particles that lead to bad breath like onions / garlic.
7. If mouth washes are to be used then swish it around for at least 30secs and then spit it out.
8. Last but not the least regular dental check ups to get rid of accumulating plaque and bacteria around teeth are
essential.
9. If cause of halitosis is some systemic infection then consulting a physician or specialist is mandatory.
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STANDARDS TO CONTROL BAD BREATH
9. THANK YOU
TO CONSULT OUR DENTAL EXPERTS, CALL
TOLL FREE 1800 200 8886
www.axissdental.com
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