Halitosis

At first glance, the complex and incomprehensible term “halitosis” means nothing more than the appearance of a bad smell from the mouth.

This "aroma" can be different and occurs with some painful processes in the oral cavity, nasopharynx and internal organs. In the vast majority of cases, treatment of the provoking disease allows to eliminate the smell completely.

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Causes of halitosis

Bad breath is often caused by poor oral hygiene. Putrid or other unpleasant odor in this situation is caused by the waste products of microorganisms that settle on the surface of the teeth and on the edges of the gums. If you do not brush your teeth for a long time, microbes accumulate in considerable concentrations on the surface of the tongue, in interdental deposits, in the sockets of extracted teeth and in the folds of the oral mucosa. Bacteria multiply even more actively if there is an atmosphere favorable for them in the oral cavity in the form of carious teeth, periodontal disease, gums, etc. Painful conditions of the teeth and gums themselves can also provoke the appearance of an unpleasant odor.

The second most common cause of halitosis is excessive dryness of the mucous membranes in the mouth. This condition of the mucous membrane can be caused by chronic diseases of the nasopharynx (when there is no nasal breathing and a person is forced to breathe through the mouth), smoking, and drinking alcohol.

Bad breath appears after eating certain foods, such as garlic, onions, and salted fish.

Halitosis often occurs with many diseases of the internal organs and nasopharynx:

• infectious diseases of the respiratory system (bronchiectasis, abscess, bronchitis, etc.);
• pathologies of the digestive system (peptic ulcer, gastritis);
• ENT diseases (laryngitis, sinusitis, follicular tonsillitis, etc.);
• renal failure;
• diabetes mellitus.

In addition to the above, halitosis sometimes occurs in people who follow “starvation” diets with a violation of the drinking regime: in this case, bad breath appears as a result of the release of metabolic products.

Symptoms of halitosis

Bad breath is a very, very common occurrence. In many cases, halitosis becomes a real problem for a person who feels some kind of barrier in free communication with others.

This symptom may be present constantly, or depend on the degree of fullness of the stomach.

For various reasons, a person may ignore a doctor's consultation and mask a bad smell by periodically chewing gum or using mouth fresheners (aerosols). However, it should be taken into account that halitosis is often a sign of serious problems with the digestive and other organs.

The main and only symptom of halitosis is bad breath, which a person may not notice. Friends or family members should definitely hint to him about the appearance of the smell, which should speed up the patient's visit to a doctor (dentist, therapist) and the adoption of measures to eliminate halitosis.

Diagnosis of halitosis

Diagnostic methods for determining pathology are currently carried out in fairly reliable ways. The intensity of the bad smell is assessed using a specific device - a halimeter. It can be used not only for diagnostic purposes, but also to monitor the success of treatment measures.

To detect and identify bacteria that are the source of bad breath in the oral cavity, many specialists resort to microbiological analysis, for example, they examine the composition of plaque on the surface of the teeth, or conduct an analysis of the secretions of the salivary glands.

Using mirrors, the doctor will examine the base of the tongue, pharynx, tonsils, assess the patient’s dental characteristics and the quality of oral hygiene.

It would not be a bad idea to consult with specialized specialists: an otolaryngologist, endocrinologist and gastroenterologist, who will rule out the presence of diseases of the nasopharynx, digestive and endocrine systems.

To obtain the most accurate halitosis diagnostic results, it is recommended that you do not take medications, eat spicy foods, smoke or drink alcohol (including beer), brush your teeth or use chewing gum or mouth fresheners 24 hours before the examination.

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Treatment of halitosis

Treatment of halitosis directly depends on what exactly was the root cause of the foul breath. If nasopharyngeal diseases are to blame, then you will have to undergo treatment for sinusitis or laryngitis, and diseases of the digestive system - from a therapist or gastroenterologist. It is also important to exclude such pathologies as diabetes, kidney and liver diseases.

If the underlying cause of bad breath is a problem in the oral cavity, then inflammatory processes should be treated, teeth should be treated and filled, and those that cannot be treated should be removed. It is recommended to undergo professional cleaning and polishing of teeth, during which supragingival and subgingival plaque is removed.

Of great importance in treatment is the observance of hygiene rules. It is necessary to brush your teeth daily, in the morning after breakfast and at night. Before going to bed, in addition to a toothbrush, it is advisable to use dental floss - it will effectively clean the interdental space from food debris. In addition to teeth, it is important to clean the tongue: there are even special toothbrushes on sale, the back of which is designed for cleaning the tongue.

It is also necessary to remember the principles of proper healthy eating:

• sweets, sugar, and flour products made from white flour contribute to increased plaque deposition and cause caries;
• fresh fruits and vegetables stabilize the digestive tract and also effectively clean teeth;
• Fermented milk products normalize the state of intestinal microflora, which also contributes to good digestion.

Treatment of halitosis with medications

Treatment of halitosis with medications is carried out to eliminate signs of infection and inflammation, as well as to sanitize the oral cavity.

The following drugs are used to suppress the vital activity of bacteria:

• triclosan is a strong antiseptic that has powerful antimicrobial activity over a long period of time. It is used to suppress the development of bacteria in the oral cavity, and is also a component of many toothpastes;
• chlorhexidine - used as a rinsing solution (0.005%). Has antimicrobial (affects both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria), antifungal action. May cause dry mucous membranes;
• cetylpyridine (cetylpyridinium chloride) is an antiseptic that inhibits the activity of gram-positive and partially gram-negative microbes. It has no effect on bacterial spores. It kills some viruses and fungi. The drug is usually included in mouthwashes and toothpastes;
• Kamfomen is a combination product that contains furacilin, menthol, eucalyptus, castor and camphor oil, olive oil, freon and alcohol. The drug has an anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effect. It is used for inhalation for diseases of the nasopharynx, as well as for irrigation and spraying;
• remodent - lyophilisate for rinsing the oral cavity. Contains manganese, iron, zinc, sodium, copper, calcium, sodium, phosphorus and magnesium. Used to prevent caries, accelerate enamel maturation and remineralization;
• etonium is a bacteriostatic and bactericidal drug used for stomatitis, gingivitis, and ulcers on the oral mucosa. The drug is applied to the affected mucosa in the form of applications.

In addition to these drugs, hydrogen peroxide, urea (in the form of pastes and gels), and herbal phytopreparations are used.

Treatment of halitosis with hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide has been successfully used for many decades for rinsing and lubricating affected areas of the skin and mucous membranes.

In cellular structures, under the influence of enzyme substances (peroxidase, catalase), hydrogen peroxide decomposes with the release of oxygen, which, in turn, is known for its antimicrobial and deodorizing properties. Hydrogen peroxide is able to eliminate bleeding, and in significant concentrations - cauterize tissue damage.

Treatment with hydrogen peroxide is based on many years of successful experience in the treatment of stomatitis, gingivitis and other diseases of the oral cavity.

For use on mucous membranes, hydrogen peroxide should be diluted. If this is not done, the concentrated solution can cause a burn of the mucous membrane. For halitosis, as well as for various inflammatory processes in the mouth and throat, use 1 to 3 teaspoons of hydrogen peroxide per 50-100 ml of water.

With prolonged use of hydrogen peroxide solution for rinsing, hypertrophy of the papillae of the tongue may occur.

Also, if there is an unpleasant odor from the mouth, it is recommended to brush your teeth with the following mixture: take ½ teaspoon of baking soda, 4-5 drops of fresh lemon juice and 15-20 drops of hydrogen peroxide, mix. Brush your teeth with this mixture. After the procedure, you cannot eat, drink or rinse your mouth with anything for 15 minutes.

Treatment of halitosis with folk remedies

How to try to cure this symptom with folk remedies:

• Pour 200 ml of boiling water over 50 g of periwinkle herb and leave for 40 minutes. Use the infusion to rinse your mouth 5 times a day;
• You can chew the calamus root or make an infusion from it - pour 15-20 g of calamus into a thermos with 200 ml of boiling water, leave for about 1 hour. Rinse your mouth up to 5 times a day;
• Cloves (spice) and lemon peel help to freshen the mouth. A piece of lemon peel or 1 clove should be placed behind the cheek, chewing periodically;
• It is useful for strengthening teeth and gums, as well as for eliminating inflammatory processes and bad breath in the mouth, to chew beeswax with the addition of lemon juice, or capping wax;
• make lemon balm tea - pour 200 ml of boiling water over one tablespoon of lemon balm and leave for 20 minutes. Drink hot in the morning after waking up and before bed (preferably on an empty stomach);
• rinse your mouth with chamomile infusion - this will relieve inflammation and soothe damaged tissue. To prepare the infusion, take 1 tablespoon of chamomile per 500 ml of water. You can also prepare and use an infusion of peppermint or wild strawberry leaves in the same way;
• Austrian recipe for getting rid of bad breath - mix 2 tablespoons of sunflower oil and 1 teaspoon of small table salt. Roll the mixture in your mouth for 3 to 5 minutes. After the procedure, do not drink or eat for half an hour. Thus, it is necessary to repeat twice a day, in the morning and at night.

Treatment of halitosis at home

How to try to remove unpleasant odor from the mouth at home, that is, using what is always at hand? Indeed, there are several effective methods for treating halitosis at home:

• prepare a saline solution - mix 0.5 liters of clean water with 1 tablespoon of salt. Drink all 0.5 liters at once in the morning on an empty stomach, and after 15 minutes you can eat breakfast, preferably with something dairy, so as not to provoke stomach irritation. This treatment is recommended to be repeated daily for a week. The method helps if halitosis is associated with gastrointestinal diseases;
• if you have problems with digestion, then perhaps oatmeal will help you. Every morning you should eat a bowl of porridge on water, without sugar, but with the addition of any vegetable oil. After 14-20 days, they promise complete elimination of bad breath;
• It has been noted that people who are used to drinking freshly ground coffee in the morning suffer from halitosis less often. The main point is that the coffee should be ground, real, brewed in a Turk. You should not expect such an effect from instant and surrogate coffee. If you do not have the opportunity to drink a cup of such coffee, you can simply chew a coffee bean in your mouth;
• Often bad breath appears due to insufficient function of the salivary glands, or due to frequent dry food. Solution: drink more fluids, preferably pure water. If it is mineral water, then still water, if tea, then without sugar. Try to drink at least 1.5-2 liters of fluid per day;
• Chlorophyll, a green substance that is present in large quantities in plants, has good deodorizing properties. The benefits of chlorophyll can be felt by eating dishes made from cabbage, lettuce, parsley, cilantro, dill and spinach;
• Do you know what they recommend to brush your teeth with if there is no toothpaste or toothbrush nearby? That's right: you need to eat an apple or nibble on a carrot. This remedy will also help get rid of bad breath, though only for 1-2 hours. However, in some situations this method is a great help.

Toothpaste for halitosis

There are many mouthwashes and toothpastes on the dental care market that are designed, in particular, to eliminate bad breath.

Among the specially developed toothpastes the following are known:

• Air-lift with a complex of essential oils;
• Biotene Antibacterial Fresh mint – Biotene refreshing mint with antibacterial effect;
• Brilard Active to eliminate odor caused by smoking;
• Halita Toothpaste – eliminates bad breath and stubborn plaque;
• President Defense – eliminates odor that other medications could not get rid of;
• Royal Denta Gold with gold eliminates foreign odor, serves as an excellent prevention of caries, periodontitis, whitens tooth enamel.

Among the more accessible and popular toothpastes, it is necessary to choose a product without alcohol. Alcohol bases lead to excessive dryness of the oral mucosa, which can worsen the odor situation.

You should pay attention to those pastes that contain zinc and chlorine - these elements inhibit the activity of bacteria that cause unpleasant odor. Toothpastes based on carbamide peroxide are considered equally effective, for example, the paste "Rembrandt Plus" or "Rembrandt - delightful whiteness".

Prevention of halitosis

The main measures for preventing halitosis consist of daily adherence to the principles of individual oral hygiene.

Small children should be taught from infancy to take care of their teeth using special products, and the importance of hygiene procedures should be explained to them. In addition to standard cleaning of the surface of the teeth, it is recommended to monitor the cleanliness of the tongue. When brushing your teeth in the evening, it is useful to use dental floss, which can effectively clean the spaces between the teeth, where pieces of food often get. It is very difficult, almost impossible, to clean the space between the teeth with a toothbrush, so you have to resort to dental floss.

One should not forget about proper healthy nutrition with sufficient amounts of food products with a high fiber content. These are greens, fruits, vegetables, root vegetables. Dairy products are recommended - cottage cheese, whole milk, fermented milk products - primarily to replenish calcium reserves in the body and prevent the development of caries. Additional use of vitamin and mineral complexes is also welcomed, especially in the winter-spring period: this will help maintain immunity at the required level, which will prevent inflammatory diseases of the oral cavity.

Halitosis prognosis

Of course, the prognosis for halitosis depends on whether steps have been taken to identify and treat the cause of the condition.

If you continue to ignore bad breath, there is no point in talking about a favorable prognosis. Such inaction can lead to tooth loss, gastrointestinal diseases, chronic pathologies of the nasopharynx or internal organs.

Halitosis is a question that requires an answer. However, there is no need to panic: in most cases, regular hygiene procedures and regular visits to the dentist will help you enjoy clean and healthy breath.

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Reviews of halitosis treatment

Most often, people suffering from halitosis – bad breath – use quick remedies to get rid of the problem: mouth fresheners (aerosols), chewing gum, mints and lozenges. Such common remedies are indeed effective, however, for a very short time.

Ultimately, most users agree on one thing: if the bad smell does not go away even with twice-daily oral hygiene, then you should definitely see a dentist first.

In 90% of cases, the problem lies precisely in the condition of the teeth and gums. Moreover, externally, the teeth may seem absolutely healthy, not hurt or bother.

If the dentist confidently states that everything is fine with your mouth, you will have to look for the cause further, inside the body.

Visit an otolaryngologist: diseases (especially chronic ones) of the nasal cavity, throat and even ear can affect the freshness and clarity of your breath.

If everything is OK with these organs, then your next visit is to a gastroenterologist or a therapist. It happens that the patient himself does not suspect that he has a hidden disease of the digestive tract.

If you take this issue seriously, the problem will be solved sooner or later. You just need to persistently look for the cause of the unpleasant smell.