Myths and Truths about Bad breath.

                                        Myths and Truths about bad breath

Myths and Truths about bad breath : By Dr. Rajat Sachdeva 

1)  There are different types of Halitosis. TRUTH: There is physiologic halitosis or sporadic, which appears at a certain time of day (usually immediately after awakening), and chronic or pathological, which is persistent and may annoy enough. Both can be treated: halitosis possible with simple hygiene measures and individualized guidance, and constant halitosis treatment that shows results from three to six weeks

2) The person suffers from bad breath because it makes proper hygiene. TRUTH: in most cases, bad breath originates in the mouth itself, particularly in the region located between the teeth and also on the dorsum of the tongue. These sites will accumulate plaque and debris from cells that slough off the tongue epithelium. Result: no bacterial growth and fermentation of waste odor (sulfur).

3)  Problems gums cause bad smell in the mouth. TRUTH: the prevention of periodontal diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis, is one of the best ways to avoid bad breath. For this you must use dental floss correctly. Ideally do this daily after meals. In teeth with larger spaces between them, replace the floss for interdental brush.

4)  Bad breath comes from the stomach. MYTH: halitosis from the stomach is a rare condition, most people believed to have halitosis because it suffers from gastritis. What happens is that patients with gastritis have a reduced salivary flow and hence increased possibility of formation of tongue coating. The origin of bad breath stomach is only common in episodes such as vomiting, regurgitation or belching.

5)  To avoid bad breath you must clean their teeth and tongue. TRUTH: oral hygiene is not just limited to the habit of brushing their teeth.The use of interdental brushes and plastic scrapers for language are essential. The tongue scraper should be used daily to remove the coating (white yellowish thick plate attached on the back of the tongue). The movement of the tongue cleaning should be in the region posterior to the anterior, without much pressure not to cause injury. This is the most important and effective action to combat bad breath and the differences can be noticed after the first applications. For a more thorough cleaning, the only way to remove plaque and tartar buildup with scaling and polishing is carried out by experienced personnel

6)  Prolonged fasting alters the breath. TRUTH: stay long without eating causes a mechanism similar to that generated during sleep. The body needs to produce energy constantly, and fasting periods, there is little glucose available as fuel. The body then starts to burn fat, which leads to the production of ketone bodies, substances with strong odor that are eliminated by the lungs.

7)  Mouthwash is good for fighting bad breath. HALF TRUTH: most products on the market has a positive effect on the disorder. And if the mouthwash has alcohol in their formulation, the problem will worsen due to the dryness that causes, increasing cell desquamation, decreased salivary flow and favoring the formation of tongue coating. There is a mouthwash with manipulated properties to fight bad breath. But the use must be very restricted, and preferably prescribed by a dentist trained to meet this problem.

8)  Bad breath is a problem without a cure. MYTH: the disorder is treated in approximately 100% of cases. However, it is essential to understand that, not to have more halitosis, the individual will have to adopt new habits of hygiene, nutrition and life forever. Monitoring and supervision of a dentist specialist is essential.

9)  Candy and chewing gum mask the disorder. MYTH: they mask bad breath for very short periods and sometimes even exacerbate the problem. Self-medication and the use of homemade formulas should also be avoided

10)  Who is the dysfunction is the dentist. TRUTH: the diagnosis should be done by the dentist through the patient's medical history with the application of a detailed history, quiz questions, evaluation of symptoms. Initial investigation includes detailed examination of the mouth, tongue and part dental, signs of poor hygiene, gingivitis and periodontitis, as well as tongue coating. Methods for diagnosis are modern, with devices that measure since salivary flow rate and breath up to the amount of volatile sulfur compounds in the mouth. In some cases, you may need the intervention of an otolaryngologist, audiologist, psychiatrist and psychologist

11)  Stress causes the disorder. TRUTH: nervousness is a major contributor to halitosis, because the emotional factor can be directly related to the reduction or even interruption of salivary flow. The lack of salivation and dry mouth (xerostomia) increase mucosal sloughing, decrease self cleaning the mouth and halitosis favor by increased release of volatile sulfur compounds. The salivary gland activity depends, among other factors, the balance of the central nervous system. Stressed people often have unbalanced power and very long intervals between meals and worsen. It is possible that such individuals suffer, yet, what we call antiperistaltismo esophagus: the saliva swallowed back into the back of the tongue and remains stuck there, facilitating the adherence of dead cells and food debris.

12)  There are toothpastes that solve the problem. MYTH: they are only supporting the hygiene of the mouth and, just as antiseptics, offer a momentary feeling of fresh breath and enjoyable. However, this effect is lost in a short time.

13)  If I feel bad taste in the mouth, it is because I have bad breath. MYTH: In bad breath pathological, usually the carrier does not notice the problem because the olfactory cells adapt to the odor of tolerance. I mean, in a short time the patient gets used to own bad breath and can not recognize it yourself, it is essential to seek professional trust and talk openly about the issue.

14)  The power interferes with mouth odor. TRUTH: bad breath can occur transiently with the intake of very fatty meats, fried foods, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, garlic, onions and peppers. It is recommended to give preference to skimmed milk and white cheese or ricotta, avoid alcohol and smoking during treatment. And further, drink water and carbohydrates. Meals rich in carrots, apples and other fibrous items aid in self-cleaning of the teeth and the gum line.

15)  The best way to know if I have bad breath is to ask someone close. TRUTH: a close relative or a true friend can help, revealing the disorder for those who have it. It's worth asking for a confidant at different times throughout the day.

16)  The lack of saliva in the mouth is one of the factors that cause the problem. TRUTH: the reduction or total cessation of salivation is directly related to the existence of halitosis. In these cases, you will need some treatment to restore the flow of saliva and / or use of lubricating substances that behave like a artificial.O saliva dry mouth can be detonated by numerous factors such as snoring, mouth breathing, nasal obstruction and excessive stress and continuous. And yet, as a side effect of drugs like tranquilizers, antidepressants, appetite suppressants, tranquilizers, anti-hypertensive and anti-allergic

17)  Bad breath can cause many emotional problems. TRUTH: the mere presence of bad breath can cause emotional damage. The most common are insecure when approaching people, depression, difficulty in establishing romantic relationships, cooling of the relationship between the couple, resistance to smile and laugh, anxiety, low job performance and weak self-esteem.