📩 16/11/2023 13:47
Üsküdar University Faculty of Dentistry, Head of Restorative Dentistry Department, Dr. Lecturer Member Özge Mimir gave information about the causes of bad breath. Mimir emphasized that bad breath can be easily treated with appropriate treatment methods.
Dr. says that the reason for bad breath is usually due to the person's inability to maintain proper oral hygiene. Lecturer Member Özge Mimir stated that if there is a long-lasting and disturbing odor despite ensuring oral hygiene, this may also develop due to other diseases.
It is normal to have an unpleasant odor in the morning.
Dr. Lecturer Member Özge Mimir noted that it is considered physiologically normal to have an unpleasant odor in the morning, and stated that this is a result of the food eaten or drunk in the evening getting between the teeth and accumulating on the tongue, and that this odor will disappear after brushing the teeth and performing oral care.
Sometimes there may be odors originating from outside the mouth; Dr. states that these occur due to diseases related to the stomach, nasal mucosa and upper respiratory tract. Lecturer Member Özge Mimir said that in these cases, the underlying cause should first be investigated and treated.
Dr. Lecturer Member Özge Mimir stated that brushing your teeth daily, using dental floss and mouthwash is extremely important in terms of oral care, and continued as follows:
“Food particles may remain in the mouth on teeth that are not brushed, flossed and mouthwashed. Food residues left between the teeth cause bacterial growth around the gums and on the tongue, which causes bad breath. Antibacterial mouthwashes can help reduce odor. Dentures can also cause bad odor if odor-causing bacteria and food particles are not properly removed. Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth can also be a sign of gum (periodontal) disease. Plaque accumulation on teeth and toxins that irritate the gums can cause gum diseases. If bad breath is caused by gum disease, it should be treated as soon as possible. “Untreated gum-related disorders can damage teeth and jawbone.”
While bad breath can be caused by dental health habits, Dr. Lecturer Member Özge Mimir stated that bad breath may also be caused by factors such as oral fungal infections, tooth decay, sinusitis, tonsillitis, and diseases of the stomach and intestinal systems.
Emphasizing that the diagnosis of the condition that causes bad breath is important, Dr. Lecturer Member Özge Mimir underlined that oral and dental examination and x-rays should be performed to detect tooth decay. Mimir stated that an examination is necessary to diagnose gum diseases and that untreated gum diseases can damage teeth and jawbone.
Dr. Lecturer Member Özge Mimir explained that the underlying cause of bad breath may be the lack of proper oral hygiene and said:
“In this case, simple methods such as daily cleaning of the teeth and using dental floss and mouthwash can be useful. Teeth should be brushed 3 times a day and for at least 2 minutes using fluoride toothpaste. After each meal, food residues remaining between the teeth should be cleaned with dental floss and, if necessary, antibacterial mouthwashes should be used. In addition to dental care, teeth should be specially produced to clean bacteria on the tongue. Bacteria that accumulate on the tongue during the day can also be cleaned with tongue cleaning brushes. Prosthetic teeth should also be removed at night and cleaned thoroughly before insertion the next day.”
Stating that bad breath is a problem that can usually be prevented with simple measures, Mimir said that factors such as smoking and low water consumption can also affect bad breath. Mimir emphasized the importance of regular medical check-ups as well as healthy oral and dental care, and added that everyone should have an oral and dental examination at least twice a year.