causes of bad breath
Bad breath is a common health problem that severely affects many people's daily activities. Bad breath is unpleasant for those who come into close contact with bad breath. The problem is compounded by psychological trauma leading to depression. Those who suffer from this problem are isolated from society. This can even lead to marital conflict.
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Halitosis - bad breath |
Literally everyone talks about bad breath.The oral cavity contains millions of anaerobic bacteria such as spindle bacteria and actinobacteria that perform their function and feed on protein nutrients. This process leads to the formation of unpleasant gases such as hydrogen sulfide, methylcaptan, cadaverine, skatole, putrescine and others, which cause an unpleasant odor. If oral hygiene is not maintained properly, everyone suffers from bad breath. Most of us control this by brushing our teeth, tongue and gargling regularly. Even after oral hygiene, some people experience bad breath for various reasons, which needs to be properly diagnosed and treated
Some of the most common causes of bad breath are
Poor oral hygiene
When oral hygiene is not properly maintained, the mouth harbors millions of bacteria that produce harmful gases by breaking down food particles. Bad breath is serious if you don't brush your teeth regularly or clean your mouth after every meal. Snacks eaten between meals can also cause bad breath due to improper cleaning.
Almost everyone has bad breath when they wake up in the morning. Saliva production decreases during sleep.Saliva has some antibacterial properties that help maintain oral hygiene. Saliva contains the oxygen molecules necessary to ventilate the oral cavity. Therefore, a decrease in their quantity during sleep represents a favorable condition for anaerobic bacteria.
Diet habits
The main cause of bad breath is the breakdown of proteins by bacteria, which is why all protein-rich foods promote bad breath. Meat, fish, dairy products, eggs, cakes, nuts, pears, etc. can cause bad breath.Some foods can produce a specific smell that can be unpleasant. Raw onions can develop the typical unpleasant smell. They say an apple a day keeps the doctor away and a raw onion a day keeps everyone away. Eating peanuts can also cause an unpleasant smell. However, with proper cleaning, the odor can be reduced regardless of the nature of the food.Irregular eating times can also lead to bad breath. Even small foods eaten between meals can produce an unpleasant odor.
Tooth decay
This is a destructive process that removes calculus along with non-constructive enamel and dentin leading to tooth decay. It is produced mainly by lactobacilli. Food particles settle inside these cavities and feed on anaerobic bacteria that produce an unpleasant odor. Regular cleaning will not easily remove food debris, so it is perfectly Fed. Tooth decay is common in children who go to school and those who do not maintain proper oral hygiene.Loss of calcium and nutrients also can lead to enamel.
Inflammation of the gums
The gum is a mucous membrane with a supporting connective tissue that covers the tooth-bearing borders of the jaw. The main function of chewing gum is protection.Gingivitis is an irritation of the gums. For various reasons, gum tissue becomes infected, which leads to swelling, pain and discharge. If the condition worsens, the infection spreads towards the surrounding area resulting in persistent discharge called Fever. Sometimes the infection deepens and leads to the production of an alveolar abscess with the release of pus. The infection can reach the bones, causing osteomyelitis. All these conditions can produce an unpleasant odor.
Receding gums
When the gums recede from the teeth, a gap forms that traps food particles and causes bad breath.
Painting
Plaque and tartar deposits are deposited mainly in the gaps between the teeth and gums. This will provide shelter for food debris and bad breath-causing bacteria.
Ulcerative lesions and coverage
Almost all ulcerative lesions in the mouth are associated with bad breath. These changes can be caused by bacteria, viruses, food allergies or autoimmune diseases. Apical ulcer is the most common ulcerative lesion. Others include herpes, fungal infections, angina, infectious mononucleosis, scarlet fever, diphtheria, drug interactions, etc. Canker sores cause severe bad breath.All fungal infections produce a white coating (candidiasis). Leukoplakia is a thick white patch on the lining of the mouth and tongue. It is a precancerous condition. Aggressive breathing is associated with these diseases.
Diseases of the salivary glands
Saliva is very useful for oxygenating all parts of the oral cavity. Even a thin layer of coating, called biofilms, can create an anaerobic state in the mouth.Saliva can wet these layers and make the air unfriendly for bacteria. Any condition that reduces saliva production can increase bacterial activity. Sometimes the salivary duct is blocked by stones or tumors. Salivary glandcancer is accompanied by an unpleasant odor. With purulent parotitis, dyspepsia in the mouth leads to bad breath.
Inflammation of the tonsils
The tonsils are a pair of lymphoid tissues located in the lateral wall of the oropharynx.Inflammation of the tonsils is called tonsillitis. Bad breath occurs in acute and chronic tonsillitis. A posterior abscess or an abscess around the tonsils can cause bad breath.
Tonsil plaques and tonsil fluid.
If bad breath persists despite proper oral hygiene, there is a possibility of developing this condition. The serous fluid secreted by the folds of the tonsils is very irritating.Some patients complain that some cheese-like substances come out of the throat. They are very annoying by nature. They are formed at the base of the tonsils, which contain thousands of bacteria. In such conditions, tonsillectomy provides significant relief from bad breath.
Pharyngitis and pharyngeal abscess
The pharynx is a fibrous muscular tube that forms the upper part of the digestive and respiratory tract. Pharyngitis is called pharyngitis, which is mainly caused by bacteria and viruses.Bad breath in pharyngitis occurs in combination with other signs such as coughing and throat irritation. Abscesses of the throat wall can also lead to a strong discharge of pus into the throat.
Smoking
Smokers always have an unpleasant smell. Lesions may also occur in the mouth and lungs, causing bad breath. Smoking increases carbon dioxide levels in the oral cavity and reduces oxygen levels, creating conditions for bacteria. Smoking stimulates appetite and thirst, so acidic gastrointestinal diseases are common in heavy smokers.
Nose and ear injuries
Bad breath sometimes occurs with inflammation of the paranasal sinuses (sinusitis).With postnasal drip, bad breath is common due to the presence of proteins in the secretions. These proteins are broken down by bacteria. A middle ear infection, in which pus flows through the Eustachian tube (the passage from the middle ear to the throat) into the throat, can also cause an unpleasant odor. Chronic rhinitis (inflammation of the nasal mucosa) and foreign bodies in the nose can also cause an unpleasant odor in the exhaled air.
Diabetes mellitus
Almost all diabetics suffer from bad breath. Spotted tongue, ulcers and plaques in the mouth, increased sugar levels in the tissues, etc.It he is responsible for bad breath. Bacterial growth occurs faster in diabetics than in non-diabetics.
Fever
Bad breath is common in almost all types of fever.Excessive fever can also lead to poor breathing. Typhoid fever causes strong bad breath. And other infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, AIDS, etc., Produces an unpleasant odor.
Fasting and dehydration
Dry mouth enhances bacterial activity. Any condition that causes dry mouth makes breathing uncomfortable. Although leftovers are known to cause bad breath, fasting can do the same. Saliva production also decreases during fasting. Chewing and swallowing also help maintain oral hygiene.
Diseases of the stomach and esophagus
Burping gas and food causes an unpleasant odor. A dysfunction of the lower sphincter can allow food to be regurgitated upward, causing bad breath. Bad breath is also common in gastritis, stomach ulcers, and stomach cancer.
Diseases of the intestine
Bad breath is common in patients with ulcerative lesions of the intestine such as ulcerative colitis. Other diseases include malabsorption syndrome, intestinal tuberculosis, peritonitis, etc.
Lung diseases
Lung diseases such as pneumonia, lung abscess, chronic bronchitis, bronchiectasis, tuberculosis, lung cancer, etc. An unpleasant odor can be produced during expiration.
Liver disorders
Liver diseases such as hepatitis and cirrhosis can cause bad breath. Gallbladder disease also causes foul-smelling vomiting.
Psychiatric patients
Bad breath is common in psychotic patients due to poor hygiene, irregular eating habits, lack of water intake, etc.
Somatic disorders
It is a psychological disorder caused by the presence of physical symptoms that indicate a medical illness. These patients come with physical complaints such as pain, nausea, difficulty breathing, bad smell, among others. This condition is diagnosed after a detailed examination of the patient and all investigations. Since this is a psychological disorder, it must be managed through a psychological approach.
Note: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Consult with your healthcare provider for personalized guidance regarding your cholesterol levels and overall health.