BAD BREATH AND BAD CARE
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF BAD BREAST ODOUR?
○ Bad breath due to food and drinks: Onion, garlic, alcohol, dairy products and cheese can cause bad breath.
○ Bad breath due to smoking
○Bad breath due to dry mouth (dry mouth caused by decreased saliva flow due to some medications)
○ Bad breath due to inadequate oral hygiene (not brushing teeth properly, not using interdental brushes, and not using dental floss)
○ Bad breath caused by gum disease: Odors that occur due to the depth of the gum pockets.
○ Odors caused by nasal discharge and coming from the front and back of the tongue
○ Bad breath due to denture use
○ Bad breath caused by systemic diseases such as diabetes, liver and kidney diseases
IS BAD BAD IN OUR MOUTH OR IS IT DUE TO A GENERAL DISEASE?
In order to diagnose bad breath, we should close our lips tightly and breathe out through our nose. If bad breath can be felt by someone 10 cm away, systemic disorders such as tonsils, sinusitis, liver, stomach, diabetes, etc. may be causing this smell. If there is no smell coming from the nose, the smell is bad breath.
TREATMENT OF BAD BAD
○ Toothpaste selection: Toothpastes containing antibacterials (sold under the name 'Breath..') are recommended.
○ Brushing your teeth with the right technique
○ Massage the junction of the tooth and gum with 7-8 circular movements at a 45-degree angle.
○ The toothbrush is tried to reach the interface surfaces.
○ Chewing surfaces need to be brushed.
○ The inner surfaces of the lower front teeth should be brushed vertically.
○ If effective brushing is insufficient, a rotating brush should be used once a day.
○ Brushing the tongue is an important factor in eliminating bad breath.
○ A suitable interdental brush should be used between teeth and under bridges.
○ The dental floss is gently pushed between the tooth and the gum, applying force to the tooth and cleaning the plaque in between.
○ If the patient gargles with his/her head tilted back twice a day, bad breath can be eliminated more effectively.
○ The duration of use is determined by the physician.
○ The mouth should not dry out. Water can be drunk frequently.
○ Chewing sugar-free mint gum can increase saliva flow rate.
○ If stomach acid is present, antacid tablets can be used.
○ Denture users can use special denture brushes and tablets.
○ Avoid garlic, onion and spices (or choose to eat garlic and onion cooked).
○Dairy products and cheese can cause bad breath. Brush your teeth and tongue after breakfast.