Dealing with bad breath

Suffering from halitosis? To ascertain your answer,
simply lick the inside of your wrist with the back of
your tongue; wait for a few seconds until the saliva
dries. If you get an unpleasant smell from your wrist,
there is likelihood that you are a sufferer.
Also referred to as smelly mouth, studies have
estimated that up to 50 per cent of people have
halitosis.
It is important to know that halitosis can occur even if
you brush and floss your teeth regularly. Bad breath
is caused by the gums and tongue – not the teeth.
Sometimes, it could only last for a short period, but
with some sufferers, it is persistent.
Halitosis can be as a result of poor dental health
habits. It can also be worsened by the types of food
one eats and incessant indulgence in other unhealthy
lifestyle habits.
Clinically considered a minor issue, persistent bad
breath may be as a result of serious health issues.
Buttressing this, a dentist, who is also the Secretary-
General, Nigerian Dental Association, Dr. Kolawole
Obagbemiro, said a smelly mouth can be a pointer to
some underlining problems.
He said, “Halitosis is mostly caused by sulphur-
producing bacteria that normally live on the surface
of the tongue and in the throat. Sometimes, these
bacteria start to break down proteins at a very high
rate and odorous volatile sulphur compounds are
released from the back of the tongue and throat.
Anyone with bad breath should go for oral
examination. Persistent bad breath may be a warning
sign of gum (periodontal) disease. Gum disease is
caused by the buildup of plaque on teeth. Bacteria
cause the formation of toxins to form, which irritate
the gums. If gum disease continues untreated, it can
damage the gums and jaw bone. Other dental causes
of bad breath include poorly fitting dental appliances,
yeast infection of the mouth, and dental caries
(cavities).
“The medical condition, dry mouth (also called
xerostomia) also can cause bad breath. Saliva is
necessary to moisten the mouth, neutralise acids
produced by plaque, and wash away dead cells that
accumulate on the tongue, gums, and cheeks. If not
removed, these cells decompose and can cause bad
breath. Dry mouth may be a side effect of various
medications, salivary gland problems, or continuous
breathing through the mouth.”
According to Obagbemiro, the disease affects all
ages, including babies. A baby can be infected by a
mother, who is a sufferer but who constantly puts
her mouth in the baby’s. Thus she inflicts bacteria in
the baby’s oral environment.
But men stand a higher risk of suffering from
halitosis. Explaining further, Obagbemiro said, “From
research, bad breath is more common in men
because women tend to pay more attention to
hygiene and regularly take care of their bodies
compared to men.”
A nutritionist at the Federal Medical Centre, Idi-Aba,
Abeokuta, Ogun State, Okunola Oladimeji shared the
same view but with a caveat:
“To the best of my knowledge, I don’t think there is
any research that states that men are more likely to
have bad breath than women. It is more common in
men than women. This is because women are more
conscious of personal hygiene and would always go
the extra mile to smell and look good. Once a woman
notices that she has bad breath, she could go to any
length to deal with it; a man may not be too
concerned even when his attention is being drawn to
it,” he explained.
Stressing the need for proper but healthy eating
habits, he said consumption of sweets and junk foods
at night propels bad breath.
“Generally, late night meals are unhealthy. When
such meals are taken and one doesn’t brush one’s
teeth, particles are stuck in the teeth and this serve
as breeding ground for bacteria. Ideally, one should
brush at least twice in a day — morning and before
going to bed at night.”
An uncontrolled lifestyle of alcohol and cigarettes
consumption is another cause of bad breath.
Oladimeji explained that, “Persons addicted to
alcohol permanently suffer from halitosis. Not only
that, consuming leftovers without heating on the
stove or other cooking device, could cause bad
breath. Also, don’t forget the tongue. It is a major
cause of mouth odour, if your tongue is not well
washed, it could cause bad breath,” he said.
For those who opt for bubble gum in dealing with bad
breath, he warned that chewing gum aggravates the
situation in any sufferer
“Chewing gum regularly doesn’t take care of bad
breath; rather, it damages one’s teeth. Even when
some minty bubble gum is taken, they provide a
temporary relief and once the flavour is drained, the
smell continues. But before visiting a dentist to
complain of bad breath, ensure you are not taking
drugs that could propel bad breath.
Speaking on the symptoms of bad breath,
Obagbemiro said, “If one notices a white coating on
the tongue especially at the back of the tongue, this
could be a symptom of bad breath.”
Other symptoms, he said, include dry mouth, build
up around the teeth, post-nasal drip or mucous,
morning bad breath and a burning tongue, thick
saliva and a constant need to clear the throat and
constant sour, bitter metallic taste in the mouth.”
Treatment for halitosis is simple and can easily be
carried out by adhering to dental instructions.
According to the chief dental Officer, Lagos State
Health Service Commission, Dr. Olufemi Orebanjo,
treatment is based on the primary cause of halitosis.
He said, “Avoiding dehydration by drinking lots of
water and maintaining a good oral hygiene are major
steps to take. This means brushing and flossing of the
teeth are important. Already, some mouthwashes
and toothpastes are manufactured for this purpose
and can assist in fighting halitosis.
“Gentle, but effective tongue cleaning is also
required. A variety of tongue brushes and scrapers
have been produced in recent years. The tongue
should be brushed in a gentle but thorough manner,
from the back towards the front of the tongue,
keeping in mind that the hardest to reach back
portion smells the worst. But consult your dentist to
identify the cause of the bad breath and to get the
most effective treatment for you.”
Orebanjo, however, noted that the condition
shouldn’t be treated with kid’s gloves.
He said “Halitosis may be related to a disease in one’s
digestive system or airways. If left untreated, the
person’s health deteriorates and could lead to death.
Doctors don’t like mentioning this aspect so as not to
scare people.”
Mentioning the fact that bad breath affects people of
all age groups, he advised that everyone, including
men, should be concerned about personal hygiene.