Bad Breath Can Be Embarrassing When Trying to Make a Good Impression

Everyone's heard of how uncomfortable it is when someone has bad breath, but few people are aware of how embarrassing it can be in situations when someone is trying to make a good impression. Bad breath is not only a potential sign of a health issue, but it can also cause social problems in a person’s life. Someone may get turned down after interviews or be embarrassed by the stigma that people who suffer from halitosis often face.

Some people believe that there is nothing they can do to avoid it, and they feel helpless about their condition. Those who suffer from halitosis may even begin to avoid social interactions to avoid embarrassment.

Many times the causes of bad breath are easy to identify and there are also some fairly simple solutions to treat bad breath and prevent it in the future. However, it may also be necessary to visit a dentist to eliminate the possibility of any serious oral health issues.

Causes of Bad Breath

Bad breath is a common problem that can affect people of all ages. Although it’s not always easy to know what causes a person’s breath to smell, people with bad breath fall into two groups: those who have a common problem and those who have a serious health issue that requires medical treatment. Here are some of the most common causes:

• A build-up of bacteria on the tongue. This causes a change in the pH levels of the mouth, which results in an unpleasant smell.
• Frequent usage of alcohol.
• Smoking
• Tooth decay, with the presence of bacteria in the mouth leading to bad breath.
• Certain dietary habits, such as eating large amounts of onion or garlic for several days.
• Not drinking enough water and experiencing dehydration.
• Poor dental hygiene, like not brushing teeth regularly or using mouthwash.
• Caused by certain medications prescribed by a doctor.

Bad breath could also be caused by more serious health issues, such as the presence of Streptococcus mutans. This is a gram-positive coccus that is capable of producing oxygen radicals which can cause a variety of oral and general health problems.

Oral streptococci are a major risk factor in dental caries and diseases like gingivitis, periodontitis, and pharyngitis (inflammation between the gums and throat). Oral streptococci can also cause tonsillitis, sinusitis, pneumonia, and sepsis.

Preventing and Treating Bad Breath

Bad breath can be an embarrassing issue or signs of an underlying health problem. This is why it is important to first identify the cause. The first step is to see a dentist. If there is no oral health issue, then the next step is to focus on practicing good oral health hygiene habits.

Step 1 is to visit a dentist. A dental checkup will eliminate the possibility of oral health issues. There are many possible sources of bad breath, including dental problems, gum disease, dry mouth. The most common causes of bad breath are bacteria in the mouth that produce sulfur-containing substances. These substances cause odor in the mouth because they react with proteins found in saliva to form sulfuric acid which is responsible for odor.

Step 2 is to practice good oral hygiene habits. If the dentist does not find anything to be concerned about, then the next step is to try some common prevention steps to prevent bad breath.Below are some ways of preventing bad breath from happening without having to resort to wearing mouthwash every day:

1. Floss teeth regularly. Flossing removes plaque-causing bacteria from between teeth and below the gum line. Removing plaque and reducing biofilm prevents tooth decay and gum disease.
2. Brush teeth and the tongue with a small brush every morning for 10 seconds before brushing teeth twice a day with brushing regularly with an antimicrobial toothpaste.
3. Stay hydrated by drinking water throughout the day.
4. Avoid coffee and tea. If abstaining from these beverages is difficult, replace them with herbal teas.
5. Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption
6. Avoid eating onions, garlic, and spicy foods.
7. Eating a balanced diet of fresh fruit and vegetables.

In conclusion, someone who suffers from halitosis should try and identify the cause if possible. Besides recommendations by a dentist, there are many good oral hygiene habits that can prevent bad breath.