Halitosis (bad breath) is the bad odor in the breath that comes out from mouth or nose which disturbs both the person and the people around. Bad breath has a negative impact on interpersonal relations and it causes problems like social pressure, psychological stress and lack of self confidence to occur for the person. Even social and individual isolation can be seen due to problems relating with bad breath.
Bad breath can be frequently seen in people from all ages in the community. In at least 50% of adults, at some time in their lives and especially after waking up, a bad breath which cannot be socially accepted is observed.
Bad breath is observed 3 times more in men than in women
Observed 3 times more in individuals above age 20 than youngsters
Reasons for bad breath could be pathological or physiological, and in some cases, both could be seen together.
If odor originates from nose or has medical reasons, it should be evaluated by a medical doctor. The most frequently seen anatomic reason of nose stuffiness is septal deviation.
Hunger, smoking cigarettes, poor oral hygiene, food remains
High protein foods, odoriferous foods such as onion, garlic, radish
Coffee, alcohol and some spices
Menstruation can cause temporary bad breath
Back of the tongue is covered with bacteria. This layer rich with microorganisms produces hydrogen sulphide and methyl mercaptan that is directly related with bad breath. For this reason brushing the tongue is as important as brushing the teeth.
Use plastic tongue scrapers and small brushes for effective cleaning
Repeat tongue cleaning process a few times a day
In children between the ages of 2-5, a specific bad breath that develops as relating with food remains in tonsil crypts and bacteria is observed. First apply to a pedodontist, if bad breath cannot be eliminated despite diagnosis and treatment, consult with a pediatric dentist.