Bros, Your mouth is smelling

Photo Credit: Emma Oh My God

Remember that time when you met someone and while they were introducing themselves, all hell was let loose; you wished the ground could open up and swallow you. The person’s breath was so bad, you didn’t know if they needed gum or toilet paper. Well, we medics always have a name for everything. It’s called HALITOSIS 

Halitosis is the medical term for bad breath which is widespread, affecting guys & girls, young and the old, and may be a cause of social & psychological stress. It is caused by  release of compounds with offensive smell from within the mouth, respiratory and digestive tracts. 

Now,  before you freak out thinking you have halitosis,  you might want to know that it may be completely normal (physiological) in certain circumstances such as :

• when you wake up in the morning, before brushing
• when the mouth is closed for prolonged periods
• during fasting

BUT…

It becomes a problem when you still have bad breath despite  good oral hygiene measures & proper meals.
Well, different things can cause halitosis and you can be sure, the list is endless. Here’s just a sneak peak into the one million and one things that might be responsible for that mouth that smells like a dustbin 

• Poor teeth and tongue hygiene
• Decayed teeth
• Gum disease
• Dry mouth
• Constipation
• Diabetes mellitus
• Liver conditions
• Kidney conditions
• Certain drugs
•  Excessive consumption on some food such as garlic (oh I hate garlic), ginger, onions etc

Now… You know that friend,  colleague or relative that has halitosis, or it’s you that has it.  What can be done?

What can I do?

It’s as simple as they say in those toothpaste adverts. 

• Brushing twice daily with fluoridated toothpaste
• Use of mouthwash & rinses
• Optimal consumption of foods like garlic&ginger

But Most importantly 

Visit your Dentist who will help identify & address possible reason for your halitosis.

Article by

A Dentist friend of EnGw