What Causes Bad Breath and How Can a Dental Hygienist Help?

Bad breath is not only offensive, but it is also a prime indicator of underlying health conditions. Poor oral hygiene mainly contributes to this, and, can lead to several diseases; if left untreated for long.

Worry not – visiting a dental hygienist can solve bad breath issues timely and freshen breath, thus maintaining long-term oral health. Read on this blog to know the procedure essentials!

Bad breath: An overview

Medically termed as ‘halitosis’, bad breath is a condition which gives rise to foul smell from the mouth. It negatively impacts an individual’s self-confidence, while potentially indicating the presence of other bodily disorders.
Although improper maintenance of oral hygiene stands as the most common cause for this, several other conditions may be responsible. For example, dry mouth, nasal and throat infections, gingivitis, GORD, etc.

Let’s have a look into how bad breath stems out from the above factors.

• Improper oral care: Poor brushing and flossing techniques fail to eliminate bacteria or accumulated plaque from the teeth and gums. This is primarily responsible for an unpleasant breath odour.
  • Gum disease: Periodontal diseases, such as, gum inflammation and periodontitis, etc., can cause halitosis.
  • Dry Mouth: Lack of sufficient saliva production can contribute to bad breath. This is because saliva helps clean the buccal cavity and neutralise bacterial acids.
  • Nasal and throat infections: Conditions like pneumonia, etc. can generate cough that smells bad; leading to poor breath.
  • GORD: Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease is a digestive disorder in which stomach acids flow back into the food pipe. This can give a foul smell in the breath.
  Some other causes are:
  • Tonsil stones: Happens when food particles get stuck in the tonsils at the back of throat. This may harden into calcium deposits or ‘stones’.
  • Diabetes: High blood sugar increases risk of gum disease, in turn, causing bad breath.
  • Liver and kidney diseases: Improper functioning of the liver and kidneys can retain in the body. With time, these accumulated toxins can result in halitosis.
  • Some cancers: Oral or oropharyngeal cancers, specifically can lead to slow healing of sores, pain in the mouth and bad breath. Additional symptoms may include neck lumps, swallowing difficulty and unexplained weight loss.
  • Excessive consumption of pungent foods: Certain foods and drinks have a very sharp flavour, such as, garlic, onions, alcohol, coffee, etc. These can give persistent bad breath.
  • Smoking: Cigarettes and other tobacco products are harmful to the teeth and gums, paving the way for potential oral diseases and bad breath.
  

The role of a dental hygienist in managing and preventing bad breath 

To treat and manage bad breath, finding its root cause constitutes the first step. Obtaining a dental hygienist appointment helps to do that. But, before that, it is crucial to understand who a dental hygienist is. He is an expert professional who helps in preventive dental and oral care.

Here is a list of various approaches that dental hygienist in London incorporate to ensure fresh breath for halitosis patients.

1. Comprehensive oral examination
   A thorough oral examination is necessary to evaluate the overall dental condition. It involves examining the teeth, gums, tongue, and surrounding tissues to recognise underlying medical issues that may contribute to bad breath. For example, gum disease, tooth decay, etc.
   
2. Professional dental cleaning
   Also called as dental prophylaxis, this constitutes one of the main responsibilities of a dental hygienist. The process comprises removal of plaque and tartar from the teeth surface and areas that are hard to reach. For this, specialised tools, like scalers, polishers, etc., are used.
   
3. Education on proper oral hygiene techniques
   Individuals can obtain special guidance on brushing, tongue-cleaning and flossing methods from a dental hygienist. This is a part of aftercare routine, helping in optimal removal of plaque and bacteria, thus freshening breath.
   
4. Recommendation and demonstration on usage of oral hygiene products
   This helps enhance the quality of oral care practices, especially catered to individual patient condition. A dental hygienist may also recommend specific toothpastes, brushes, mouthwashes and tongue scrapers to maximise the efficiency of bad breath removal process.
   
5. Guidance on positive lifestyle alterations
   Besides oral hygiene practices, dental hygienists also offer personalise guidance on lifestyle modifications that combat bad breath. You may need to cut down on consumption of pungent foods, smoking and alcohol intake. Maintaining hydration levels is also necessary.
   

Conclusion

Dental hygienists play an essential role in management and prevention of halitosis or bad breath. By conducting comprehensive oral tests, diagnostic techniques, recommending oral hygiene products, and offering lifestyle guidance, they ensure individuals obtain a fresh breath.
So, if you are someone who experiences persistent bad breath, do not sit back for long. Feel free to contact your locally available dental hygienists and book a test slot immediately. It will help you maintain a disease-free mouth for over the years to come.

Read more: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Guide to Diagnosis and Management

Frequently Asked Questions

Is bad breath indicative of more serious health conditions?

Generally, bad breath pertains only to poor oral health. But, sometimes, it may also indicate other health conditions; such as, respiratory infections, high blood sugar and liver problems. It is, thus, essential to consult with a reputed dental hygienist for investigation of the underlying cause.

Are there other causes for bad breath?
While improper oral care is mostly responsible for bad breath, there are other reasons, too. For example, sinus infections, acid reflux, tonsil stones, unhealthy practices like smoking, using certain medications, etc.

Can dental hygienists treat gum problems responsible for bad breath?

Yes, they can. Dental hygienists are trained professionals who can recognise and treat a wide range of tooth and gum troubles. You will expect procedures like, scaling and root planing, for bad breath management.

How often should I visit a dental hygienist to manage bad breath?

Fresh breath is a sign of good oral health, contributing to overall wellness and boosted confidence. Thus, it is recommended to visit the dental hygienist at least two times a year. Routine oral checks and cleaning sessions will be performed that ensure your teeth remain in good condition.