Mouth odour: Causes, Cure, and Prevention.

Reports have shown that mouth odour also known as halitosis may result from poor dental health which could be worsened by the types of food consumed. For example, foods like onions or garlic could leave the mouth with a bad odour throughout the day. It is, therefore, apparent to discuss the causes, cure, and the prevention of mouth odour.

Other health challenges can result in mouth odour, for instance, gum disease, yeast infections that relate to the mouth, cavities, etc.

MOUTH ODOUR

What are the causes of mouth odour?

1.      Gum disease. This is known as periodontal disease, the presence of bacteria in the gum causes toxins to be formed which irritate the gum. This disease can make the mouth to stink continuously causing embarrassment to its victims, hence, the need for corrective action.

2.     Tobacco products. Tobacco increases the chances of having gum disease. Certain chemicals that are present in the tobacco products distort the flow of saliva in the mouth making it easy for oral bacteria to remain in the gum and teeth. It also seems to damage the flow of blood to the gum which prevents quick healing of wounds. Smokers are mostly victims of this.

3.      Foods. The remnants of foods consumed hang in and around the teeth which increases bacteria and leaves a bad odour. Also, certain foods such as garlic can result in mouth odour. The smells do not go away easily even after brushing and goggling the mouth with water.

When garlic is digested, it goes into the bloodstream, carried into the lungs, and thereby affecting your breath.

4.      Poor care of the mouth. This is another vital issue to be addressed when discussing the causes, cure, and prevention of mouth odour. 

Since food particles hang in and around the mouth after eating, where there is no regular and proper brushing of the teeth and tongue, there is a high risk of mouth odour. This is because sticky films and colorless bacteria are formed on your teeth leaving it at risk of gum disease.

5.      Dry mouth. This occurs when there is no enough saliva to keep the mouth wet. It can also be as a result of certain health conditions. For example, where the salivary gland is not producing enough saliva to keep the mouth wet.

Saliva neutralizes the acids produced by bacteria, hence, preventing tooth decay. It also washes off food particles that may be hanging in the mouth. Dry mouth can also be caused due to aging, cancer therapy, nerve damage around the neck or head, and the use of tobacco products.

6.    Some other causes include surgical operation in the mouth, throat, nose, etc. This allows bacteria to grow.

Having highlighted some of the causes of mouth odour, we would consider the ways to cure this health challenge to prevent embarrassment and anxiety it can cause.

Prevention of mouth odour.

1.    Taking proper care of your mouth. Brush your teeth after eating every meal to get rid of food particles trapped in the mouth. Wash every side of the teeth and tongue thoroughly and also rinse well with an antibacterial mouth wash twice a day. Where dentures are used, they should be washed at night before being replaced in the morning.

2.     A regular visit to your dentist. This is for periodic checks and to address and treat any issue that may result in mouth odour. It is therefore imperative to visit your dentist regularly.

3.     Desist from tobacco products. Desist from smoking and the consumption of other tobacco products. This will greatly reduce the chances of having a mouth odour.

4.      Regular intake of water. This will help to keep the mouth wet and wash off food particles that might be hanging around the mouth. This also helps to reduce the chances of mouth odour.

5.      Chewing gum. This will help in saliva production, hence, leaving the mouth moist. It also cleanses off every bacteria and food remnants in the mouth.

6.    The use of antiseptic mouth wash will help to eliminate the bacteria causing mouth odour or bad breath.

How do I cure my mouth odour?

1.      Probiotic yoghurt. Probiotic yoghurt contains good bacteria that can reduce the level of sulfites compounds present in the mouth. These sulfites compounds are responsible for the occurrence of bad breath.

2.      Cherries. Research shows that cherries help to remove the smell caused by methyl mercaptan which is responsible for the gas released by bacteria in the mouth.

3.      Green tea. This is a type of beverage that contains catechin. This is an antioxidant that can fight the bacteria causing bad breath in the mouth.

4.      Citrus fruits. This fruits, when consumed, makes the mouth an uncomfortable environment for the bacteria causing bad breath

5.      Ginger. For maximum results, combine lemon juice with warm water and pressed ginger. This serves as your regular mouth-rinse.

6.     Water. This is often overlooked but interestingly, can be a good resource for combating mouth odour as it keeps bad breath at bay. Food particles are washed off leaving nothing for bacteria to breakdown. Water also helps to keep the mouth moist.

7.     Antibacterial mouth wash. Antibacterial mouth wash can be gotten over the counter. It is a good product for eradicating the issue of bad breath in the mouth

8.   There are also medications available that can be given by medical experts. These medications must be taken as instructed and should not be stopped except you are advised to do so.

Mouth odour has got no good to offer to its victims other than embarrassment. Therefore, after analyzing the causes, cure, and prevention and it persists, see a medical expert.

You can join the conversation by dropping a comment. Thank you for reading.