Oral Health and Hygiene: Causes of Halitosis
Halitosis is commonly known as bad breath and it refers to the presence of an unpleasant odor in exhaled breath. The problem can be chronic or occur periodically depending on the causative issue. There are different sources of halitosis, and they are not all linked to poor dental and oral health. These causes include respiratory tract infections and systemic illnesses like sinus and liver diseases. If you do not have these conditions, the causal issue is in one of your oral structures. Some problems can be resolved through improved hygiene practices while others will require the intervention of a dentist. Here are the main oral causes of halitosis.
Tooth Decay
This condition is also referred to as tooth cavities, caries and dental decay, and it occurs when the structure of teeth is broken down by bacteria. Under normal circumstances, the dental enamel protects the vulnerable tissues inside the teeth from oral germs. When decay occurs, the microorganisms are able to gain access into the pulp cavity and attack aggressively. The infected tissues provide a favorable environment for the bacteria, and the cells will eventually succumb. The dead decaying tissues and the excretions of the microorganisms will lead to severe halitosis. You cannot eliminate this type of bad breath permanently as long as the dental cavity is present. You should see a dentist for repair to ensure that the issue is dealt with from the source.
Periodontal Disease
Healthy gums cannot contribute to bad breath because they do not harbor harmful microbes. Periodontal diseases target the gum tissues and the main symptoms include inflammation, bleeding and soreness. Generally, these conditions are caused by bacteria, and the illnesses are accelerated by specific risk factors. For instance, there are people who are more genetically susceptible to gum diseases. Other factors include systemic diseases like diabetes, treatments for cancer, smoking and hormone changes.
You will start experiencing halitosis during the initial stages of periodontal infection. The bacteria will digest gum cells and cause tissue necrosis which will be manifested as bad breath. If the disease is still in the early stages and you are in good health, the problem can be resolved through professional dental cleaning. Advanced cases will require special periodontal disease treatment to stop halitosis.
Poor Cleaning
Non-chronic bad breath is caused by poor oral hygiene so it is important to establish a good cleaning routine. Brush your teeth, gums and tongue daily to eliminate bacterial microorganisms. In addition, floss the teeth because the spaces between the teeth provide comfortable habitats for anaerobic microbes. Contact a local dental clinic for more information.
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