World Oral Health Day: Diabetic or have sinus-related issues? Poor health could be causing bad breath

In India, one of the biggest oral health mistakes to make is not placing dental health on the priority list.

As a result of which, people end up with serious issues in their lifetime.

Halitosis, also known as chronic bad breath, is an issue that cannot be solved easily with mints or mouthwash. One could experience this because of several reasons - locally, in the mouth, or systemically, in the body. It's crucial to identify the root cause and eliminate it right away.

On World Oral Health Day, Dr Ratnadeep Patil, MD at Smile Care Expert Dental Centre, shared the causes of bad breath and tips to always be minty fresh.

Poor oral hygiene
Not rinsing after eating and not cleaning the tongue that houses several bacteria tends to increase the bacterial count in the mouth leading to bad breath. These bacteria break down food particles producing sulphur compounds with typical odour.

Gum disease

Prevailing gum inflammation and disease called as pyorrhoea can also be responsible for bad odour.

Could it be diabetes?
When one detects 'acidic' odour in the mouth, it is mostly because s/he is diabetic. Several other systemic diseases like respiratory tract infection, GI tract infection, bowel obstruction, among others, can also result in bad breath.

It's in what you eat
What you put in your mouth also determines how your breath smells. Consumption of certain food items which dominate the Indian palatte, such as onions and garlic, can result in bad breath.

Tobacco consumed in any form and alcohol also leave its unpleasant odour in breath.

Stop excessive dieting
Certain diets that call for extreme fasting or low-carb intake, and insufficient water intake can also contribute to bad breath.

Other alarming signs
Bad breath can occasionally stem from small stones that form in the tonsils which are covered by bacteria and thus produce odour. Infections or chronic inflammation in the nose, sinuses or throat, accompanied by post-nasal drip can create bad breath as well.

Tricks to have minty fresh breath always:

• Avoid fatty foods as they breakdown and create odour creating ketones. It is advisable to eat healthy carbs like broccoli, carrots, sweet potatoes and fresh fruits to balance out the bad-breath-causing acid.
• Frequent snacking is always good. Having a bowl of crunchy apples or eating salads in-between meals can help remove food caught between teeth and rub away bacteria that sit on them.
• Staying hydrated is key. Drinking water frequently will wash away accumulated bacteria and lubricates the mouth.
• Rinse thoroughly after having tea/coffee not only to avoid stains, but also to remove its odour from the mouth.
• Brush and floss daily to remove plaque and bacteria settled in your teeth
• It's crucial to clean your tongue. Bacteria stick to your taste buds, then release a waste by product that causes an unpleasant stench.
• Chew on fresh mint or tulsi (basil) leaves for a naturally fresh breath
• Rinse with alcohol-free mouthwash to always keep your mouth moist. Your saliva can help wash away odour- and cavity-causing bacteria.
• Check periodically with your friend, dentist or family doctor during your next visit if you do have bad breath because it’s not often easy for an individual to detect it by himself/herself.