Many people experience unpleasant breath at one time or another – usually after eating garlic or onions. Chewing gum, having a mint or using mouthwash to freshen your breath may mask the smell temporarily, but they do not address the root cause of bad breath (known as halitosis).구취원인치료
If you suffer from chronic halitosis, or have frequent and persistently unpleasant breath, it’s important that you schedule an appointment with your dentist to find the underlying cause of the problem. While better oral hygiene habits like brushing, flossing and regular cleanings can improve your halitosis, chronic bad breath can also be a sign of serious health problems such as infections of the throat or mouth, sinus or nasal conditions, bronchitis or diabetes.
The odor-causing bacteria that reside in our teeth and on our tongues are the primary causes of bad breath, but other factors can contribute to it as well. Food particles that decay in the mouth can create a foul odor, as can sour or bitter tasting substances from the stomach. Tobacco and certain medications can also cause halitosis. Infections of the throat, nose or sinuses can contribute to it as can a dry mouth or postnasal drip.
A common cause of halitosis is the buildup of plaque – a sticky, yellowish film that contains bacteria and food debris. When not removed, it can harden into tartar, which can only be removed by a dental professional. Foods that have a strong, unpleasant taste can also contribute to bad breath, as can some spices and herbs.
Drinking water and chewing sugar-free gum or mints help freshen your breath, as can eating foods that are good for your teeth and gums. Regular visits to your dentist can help prevent gum disease, which is a major cause of bad breath.
Other bad breath treatments include swishing salt water or chewing on cloves. To swish salt water, add 1/4 teaspoon of salt to 8 ounces of warm water and swish around in your mouth for 30 seconds, then spit it out. Cloves can be chewed or sucked on to instantly freshen your breath, and can also fight off the bacteria that cause cavities.
Over-the-counter mouthwashes and breath mints do not provide a long-term solution to bad breath, but your dentist can prescribe a special mouth rinse that is designed to help eliminate halitosis. These rinses contain ingredients like zinc chloride, thymol and eucalyptus oil that help kill the odor-causing bacteria in the mouth, and can be used as part of your daily oral hygiene routine. Your dentist will also be able to advise you on other ways of dealing with your halitosis, such as diet and lifestyle changes, certain foods and medication that can affect it. And of course, they will be able to give you a thorough dental cleaning and check for any signs of other medical conditions that can contribute to it.해우소한의원