Bad breath: The problem is not always in the stomach
bad breath, known in medical terms as halitosis, is a common problem and can have several causes. Although many people associate bad breath with digestive or stomach problems, in reality, the cause is very often in the oral cavity.
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Why does bad breath occur?
Numerous bacteria naturally exist in the oral cavity. When oral hygiene is not rigorous enough, they can accumulate on the teeth, gums and tongue and produce foul-smelling compounds.
Among the most common causes of bad breath are plaque, tartar, tooth decay, gum inflammation, and bacterial build-up on the surface of the tongue.
Also, people who suffer from dry mouth may notice halitosis more frequently. Saliva plays an important role in the natural cleaning of the oral cavity, and reducing salivary flow favors the accumulation of bacteria.
Tartar and plaque can contribute to halitosis
Bacterial plaque is a film consisting mainly of bacteria and food debris that accumulates on the surface of the teeth. If not properly removed by brushing and interdental hygiene, it can mineralize and turn into tartar.
Tartar cannot be removed by simple brushing at home and can promote gum inflammation, bleeding and persistent bad breath.
Tooth decay and infections can cause bad breath
An untreated cavity can become a place where bacteria and food debris accumulate. As the carious lesion progresses, an unpleasant odor may also appear.
In the case of a dental infection or abscess, bad breath may be accompanied by other symptoms, such as pain, tenderness, swelling of the gums or an unpleasant taste in the mouth.
Inflamed gums and bleeding gums
Halitosis can also be associated with gum disease. Gingivitis and periodontitis occur when the tissues that support the teeth are affected by the inflammatory process.
Bleeding gums when brushing, redness, swelling, tenderness or receding gums are signs that should not be ignored. In these situations, bad breath can be one of the symptoms associated with the gum problem.
The tongue can be an important source of bacteria
The surface of the tongue is not smooth, and bacteria and food debris can accumulate, especially at the back. Therefore, even if the teeth are brushed correctly, neglecting to clean the tongue can contribute to the persistence of bad breath.
Gentle tongue cleaning can be part of a complete oral hygiene routine.
Bad breath should not be seen only as a hygiene problem, nor should it be automatically blamed on the stomach. In many cases, the cause can be identified in the teeth, gums or tongue.
Identifying the cause is essential for choosing the right treatment and eliminating the problem in the long term, not just for temporarily masking the unpleasant smell.
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