Halitosis

Halitosis is also termed as fetor ex ore or fetor oris , is foul or offensive odour oral cavity. We find many people in our day to day lives who suffer from bad breath.Not only is it embarrassing for the patient but also to the people they come in contact with.It even results in people shying away from conversations and lowering their self confidence. Before i move on the remedies lets start with the causes.

Causes of Halitosis or bad breath :

The causes can either be local that means limited to the oral cavity or extra oral .

The Extra-oral sources of bad breath include

1. Infections or lesions of the respiratory tract like bronchitis , pneumonia, bronchiectasis..etc.

2.Odours excreted through the lungs from aromatic substances in the blood stream , such as metabolites from ingested foods or excretory products of cell metabolism.

3.Alcoholic breath .

4 .Acetone odour of diabetes.

5.Uremic breath that accompanies kidney dysfunction.

Local sources:

1.Retention of food particles on ad between teeth .

2.Coated tongue.

3. Acute necrotising gingivitis .

4.Dehydration states .

5.Caries .

6.Artificial dentures.

7.Smokers breath .

8.Healing surgical or extraction wounds.

9.Chronic periodontitis.

TREATMENT of HALITOSIS / Bad Breath:

1.Find the cause and getting treatment done in case of extra oral causes.

2.For intraoral reasons the following measures can be taken:

a)Brush your teeth after you eat at least twice a day ,morning after breakfast and at night before going to bed.

b) Floss at least once a day.

c) Brush your tongue.

d) Clean dentures or dental appliances.

e) Avoid dry mouth by drinking lot of water throughout the day.

f) Take lot of fresh fruits and vegetables.

g) Regular change of toothbrush as soon as the bristles start wearing off.

h) Rinse with antibacterial mouthwash after brushing .

i) At least schedule a trip to your dentist every six months .