- Scientifically known as halitosis, bad breath affects millions worldwide.
- Halitosis may sometimes be a symptom of underlying health issues.
- Regular dental check-ups allow for professional cleanings and comprehensive examinations, ensuring that any potential oral health issues are identified and addressed promptly.
Bad breath, scientifically known as halitosis, is a condition that affects millions worldwide, often causing social discomfort and embarrassment.
However, it’s time to banish the stigma and embark on a journey of resolution and understanding.
Recently, Dr. Libeya Bethwel, a Pharmacist, Digital Marketer, and Health-tech enthusiast, hosted a discussion on Twitter Spaces to expound and help listeners understand the intricacies of bad breath.
The guest speaker was Dr. Naphtali Macharia, a Dental Implant Surgeon and Co-founder of The Dental Spa in Chiromo, Riverfront building.
With half a decade of experience under his belt, Dr. Macharia’s presence had invaluable contributions, unique perspectives, and practical solutions to the challenges faced by individuals grappling with this pervasive condition.
Together, they used the virtual space to shed light on the enigmatic world of halitosis, offering solutions and insights that could transform lives.
The space served as an unprecedented opportunity for individuals to uncover the truth behind bad breath and discover effective strategies to combat it.
Unmasking halitosis
Halitosis is a condition characterized by persistent foul-smelling breath that goes beyond temporary odor.
Everyone has experienced this, waking up with bad breath.
But what happens when the usual remedies fail to combat this persistent issue? That’s when we enter the realm of chronic bad breath, or halitosis, as shared by Dr. Macharia.
Intriguingly, the expert reveals that bad breath is the third most common concern people present to dentists, ranking just after dental cavities and gum disease.
Surprisingly, statistics show that one out of four individuals grapples with bad breath regularly.
It’s not just an oral convenience, it serves as a window into our overall health.
The mouth, as Dr. Macharia explains, acts as a gateway to our body.
Chronic bad breath may indicate an underlying condition or imbalance within the system. It is a silent signal urging you to seek proper treatment and delve deeper into potential health concerns.
While most individuals associate bad breath with poor oral hygiene, much more is at play.
Even after rinsing and brushing our mouths diligently, some continue to battle with persistent bad breath. This is where halitosis steps in!
The culprits within
Have you ever wondered what lurks behind the curtain of halitosis, that stubborn foe of fresh breath?
While poor oral hygiene takes center stage as a culprit, it’s just the tip of the iceberg.
Dr. Macharia reveals that halitosis can originate from a variety of sources, both within and beyond the mouth.
The presence of sulfur-producing bacteria, specifically in the throat ( tonsillitis) and tongue, and sometimes cancers of the esophagus, cause the same.
Individuals suffering from tumors also can experience halitosis because some of them get infected.
These microscopic troublemakers feast on food particles and release sulfur compounds as a byproduct, leading to the notorious foul odor.
One of the key factors contributing to halitosis is dry mouth, and it can be triggered by various sources.
Certain foods, such as garlic and onions, are notorious for their pungent aftermath, as they contain a volatile oil that enters the bloodstream and is eventually released through the breath.
Smoking, too, plays an important role in causing dry mouth and contributing to the unpleasant aroma that accompanies it.
Poor oral care, including infrequent brushing and flossing, provides a breeding ground for bacteria to thrive, producing foul-smelling compounds.
Neglecting to clean the tongue, where bacteria can accumulate and form a coating, further exacerbates the issue.
It’s no wonder that a coated tongue often goes hand in hand with chronic breath.
Addressing dry mouth, be it through maintaining proper hydration, quitting smoking, or moderating the consumption of odor–inducing foods, is a crucial step in combating the condition.
“People who smoke tend to have the smoke inside their lungs and then when they exhale it, what comes out is now the smell of smoke,” he shares.
Rule of two’s
Dr. Macharia shares several preventive measures that can help you maintain optimal oral health and reclaim fresh breath.
He introduces the rule of two’s, a golden mantra to guide your oral care routine. Brushing your teeth twice a day for a minimum of two minutes each time is the first pillar of this rule.
By dedicating sufficient time to thorough brushing, you effectively remove bacteria and plaque, reducing the risk of foul-smelling breath.
Remember, a healthy mouth is a fresh mouth.
The second part is visiting the dentist twice a year.
Regular dental check-ups allow for professional cleanings and comprehensive examinations, ensuring that any potential oral health issues are identified and addressed promptly.
It’s a proactive step that contributes to a healthy mouth and helps prevent the onset of halitosis.
Mouth washing
In addition, Dr. Macharia emphasizes the importance of using alcohol-free bacterial mouthwash.
Traditional mouthwashes containing alcohol can contribute to bad breath, as the alcohol dries out the mouth, reducing saliva flow and promoting bacterial growth.
“I would recommend using a bottle of mouthwash once every quarter, two weeks every quarter for ones containing iodine which can leave a hue on your teeth on chronic use.
It is good to use low-concentration mouthwash as it’s important to kill the normal flora in the mouth,” he advises.
Opting for alcohol-free alternatives helps maintain a moisturized and fresh oral environment, inhibiting the growth of odor-causing bacteria.
Hydration
Hydration emerges as an important player in the battle against halitosis.
Drinking an ample amount of water throughout the day ensures your mouth remains moist, preventing the accumulation of bacteria and food particles.
By staying hydrated, you enhance the natural cleansing action of saliva, effectively washing away remnants that could contribute to bad breath.
Sugar-free gum
An unexpected hero in the quest for fresh breath is sugar-free gum. Chewing gum stimulates saliva production, which not only aids in digestion but also helps cleanse the mouth and naturalize acids.
Saliva acts as a natural defense mechanism, protecting teeth from cavities and reducing the likelihood of bad breath.
It is important to remember that halitosis may sometimes be a symptom of underlying health issues.
Dr. Macharia advises seeking medical attention if you experience persistent bad breath despite following preventive measures.
Addressing any potential health concerns will contribute not only to fresh breath but also to your overall well-being.
Additionally, prioritizing impeccable oral hygiene practices is essential. Most sulfur-containing drugs cause bad breath and should be avoided.
Did you know?
Did you know that if you get a cold, you should also change your toothbrush because the bacteria may breed once the flu is healed?
Now you know!
As well, remember to change your toothbrush every three months. With the different consistencies of bristles, Dr. Macharia recommends medium bristles for regular individuals.
Sometimes, you may lack confidence or are not sure if you have bad breath. Dr. Macharia says at The Dental Spa, they have bad breath analyzer machines to help you rule out any speculations.
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With these lessons, embrace a holistic approach to oral care, address any underlying issues, and nourish a healthy mouth.
Breathe new life into every moment with fresh breath!
Wonderful, health is wealth and every body part deserves health.