Keys to Controlling Bad Breath

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Bad Breath and Its Relationship to Oral and Systemic Diseases

Bad Breath and Its Relationship to Oral and Systemic Diseases

?About 75 percent of bad breath or ?halitosis? is caused by the mouth itself.

?About 75 percent of bad breath or ?halitosis? is caused by the mouth itself. Other causes include gastric problems, sinus infections or severe gum disease,? says Mark Wolff, DDS, Ph.D., director of operative dentistry at the State University of New York at Stony Brook.

One of the key successes in treating bad breath is determining the cause. Once your dental professional determines what the cause is then treatment for it can then begin1.

Bad breath can be caused by the following:
• External factors ? foods such as onions and garlic, beverages like coffee and alcohol, and smoking
• Poor oral hygiene ? where plaque and food debris is left on the teeth
• Oral disease ? gingivitis and periodontal disease
• Dentures ? plaque and food debris can form on dentures, which need to be cleaned daily
• Tonsils ? cryptic areas (crevices) in the tonsils can allow food debris to become lodged in the tonsil area
• Respiratory tract infections ? throat, sinus and lung infections
• Dry mouth (Xerostomia) ? can be caused by salivary gland problems, medication, mouth breathing, radiation therapy and chemotherapy
• Systemic diseases ? diabetes, liver, kidney, lung, sinus diseases and gastrointestinal disorders

How does Oral Disease Relate to Systemic Disease?

Recent research suggests a relationship between oral disease and systemic diseases (diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke, respiratory infections and Alzheimer disease) and other medical conditions. When the gum tissue becomes inflamed causing gingivitis to occur, inflammatory mediators called cytokines that are in the gum tissue can enter your saliva and can also become aspirated into the lungs. Bacteria that are responsible for periodontal disease can also enter the circulatory system around the teeth and travel to other parts of the body. Oral bacteria may cause secondary infections or inflammation of other tissues or organ systems in the body (2).

Who Should You See If You Have Bad Breath?

If you believe your diet is causing bad breath, then consult with a dietician or nutritionist who can work with you to modify your diet. If you have poor oral hygiene and are suffering from gingivitis (inflammation of the gum tissue in your mouth) or have periodontal disease (bone loss around the teeth sometimes referred to as ?pyorrhea?), consult your dentist and periodontist and work with your dental hygienist to improve gingivitis and thorough oral hygiene instruction at home. The tonsils and respiratory infections will need to be followed by your physician or a specialist such as an ear, nose and throat physician or pulmonologist. A large majority of people in the United States are suffering from dry mouth due to medications they may be taking, salivary gland dysfunction and those who may be going through radiation and chemotherapy treatment for cancer therapy. Please consult your oral maxillofacial surgeon, your physician or oncologist for their professional recommendations for prescription or over-the-counter products that can alleviate dry mouth symptoms. Those patients who are diabetics, have liver or kidney conditions, and gastrointestinal disorders should see their physician, urologist or gastroenterologist for their insights on how bad breath can be reduced regarding these systemic diseases. Contact your dentist office for a recommendation of which dental or medical professional you should see for your bad breath condition.

References:
1. Ooh, That Smell: What to Do if It?s Coming From You ? Dentists Discuss Treatments for Bad Breath. Reviewed information atwww.webmd.com/news/20010809/ooh-that-smell-what-to-do-if-its-coming-from-you.
2. The oral cavity plays an important role in the overall health of the body. Reviewed information at www.oralsystemicconnection.com.

Bad Breath - Do You Have it?

Bad Breath - Do You Have It?

Most people are unaware of the fact that they have bad breath...

Most people are unaware of the fact that they have bad breath, or ?halitosis? as dental professionals refer to it. Actually, one in four people have bad breath and some studies have reported that approximately 50 percent of the adult population does have (1). In fact, it is estimated that nearly 60 million people will suffer from chronic halitosis in the United States(2).

Certain foods, health conditions and habits are among the causes of bad breath. In many cases, you can improve bad breath with proper dental hygiene.

If simple self-care techniques don't solve the problem, you may want to see your dentist or doctor to rule out a more serious condition that may be causing your bad breath.

Causes of Bad Breath

Bad breath can be caused by external and internal factors. External factors can be the types of foods that we eat such as spicy or odorous in nature (certain spices used in cooking, garlic, onions even tuna or tacos). If you think your bad breath is related to the foods that you are consuming, consider recording the food you are eating to determine if this is the reason. People who use tobacco and alcohol can also experience bad breath.

Internal factors include oral factors that can affect the body systemically. The tongue provides a place for bacteria to attach and grow. Most odor-causing bacteria produce compounds that cause bad breath called volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs). These primary VSCs that cause bad breath are hydrogen sulfide and methyl mercaptan. Most of these odor-causing bacteria reside in the posterior area of the tongue.

Other causes of bad breath can include the following(3):

• Dental issues (poor oral hygiene, gingivitis and periodontal disease)
• Dentures (plaque and food can develop on dentures)
• Dry mouth (lack of saliva flow)
• Mouth, , nose and throat issues (sinus or throat infections and cryptic tonsillitis)
• Systemic diseases (diabetes, lung infections or abscesses, kidney/liver failure, gastrointestinal conditions)
• Patients who are dieting on a regular basis

Please see your dental professional for a dental appointment to determine why you are experiencing bad breath and continue to properly clean your mouth with an antibacterial fluoride toothpaste, floss daily and clean your tongue with a tongue brush or scraper.

References:
1. American Dental Association, Council on Scientific Affairs: Association report: Oral Malodor, J Am Dent Asso 134:209-214, 2003.
2. The American Breath Specialists. Causes and Treatment of Bad Breath. Reviewed information at www.breath-care.com.
3. Bad Breath, Mayo Clinic, Reviewed information at www.mayoclinic.com.