Mouth odour is an unpleasant and embarrassing issue that many adults struggle with. Although various causes can cause it, poor oral hygiene is the most common source of unpleasant breath.
This blog post discusses the causes of mouth odour in adults in Nigeria and treatments, as well as tips for preventing the problem from occurring in the first place.
Get ready to learn more about this common and treatable health issue!
What Are the Causes Of Bad Breath?
Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is a common issue that affects many people. However, the cause of bad breath can vary from person to person.
Let’s talk about the causes of mouth odour in Nigeria. Generally speaking, the most common causes of bad breath are:
- Poor oral hygiene.
- Dry mouth.
- Certain foods and drinks.
- Smoking and chewing tobacco products.
- Certain medical conditions, such as sinus infections or dental diseases.
Sometimes, bad breath can be caused by an underlying health condition like diabetes or kidney failure.
Identifying the cause of your bad breath is important to determine the best course of action. For example, suppose you’re concerned about your bad breath or think an underlying health condition may cause it. In that case, it’s best to consult your doctor for advice on treating it effectively.
What Are The Symptoms Of Halitosis?
The most common symptoms of halitosis include an unpleasant smell coming from the mouth and persistent bad breath. In some cases, the offensive odour may become stronger after eating certain foods or beverages, such as garlic and onions.
Other signs of halitosis can include a dry mouth, tongue coating, and a bitter taste in the back of the throat.
It is important to note that halitosis is not always caused by something in the mouth and can result from other medical conditions such as diabetes or kidney failure.
Therefore, it is important to consult with your doctor if you are experiencing any of these symptoms so they can properly diagnose and treat any underlying condition.
How Is Halitosis Diagnosed?
To diagnose halitosis, a dentist or doctor will first ask the patient about their mouth odour and take notice of any changes in taste or smell. They will then use a tongue depressor to check for any changes in saliva production as well as dryness of the mouth.
The dentist might also collect saliva samples for testing to determine the source of the odour. Depending on the results, they may suggest lifestyle changes such as increasing water intake, brushing more often, or referring the patient to a specialist if necessary.
Ultimately, halitosis can be diagnosed by accurately evaluating the patient’s symptoms and medical history.
What Is The Treatment For Halitosis?
The treatment for halitosis, or bad breath, depends on the cause of the problem. Your dentist can help you identify the source and severity of your condition through a comprehensive oral health assessment.
They will look for signs of gum disease, plaque buildup, and other health conditions that may be causing the bad breath. If these are identified as potential causes, they may recommend brushing and flossing more regularly to remove odour-causing bacteria.
Sometimes, they may also suggest a special mouthwash or prescription medication to treat underlying infection or inflammation, such as gingivitis.
If your dentist suspects that a health condition is at the root of your halitosis, they may refer you to a specialist for further evaluation and treatment.
Regardless of the cause of your bad breath, regular visits with your dentist are key to maintaining good oral health and ensuring that halitosis is managed properly.
How Can I Prevent Halitosis?
To prevent halitosis, it’s important to practice good oral hygiene by brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing regularly. Avoiding smoking and smelly foods such as garlic and onions will also help reduce the chances of having bad breath.
Drinking plenty of water throughout the day is also beneficial for keeping your mouth clean and fresh.
It is also important to scrape your tongue with a tongue scraper daily, as this helps remove food particles and bacteria that cause bad breath. Eating healthy foods will also help keep your breath fresh.
Finally, regular visits to your dentist are important for maintaining healthy gums and teeth so that they don’t become infected or cause badly.
How Does Dry Mouth Cause Bad Breath?
A dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, is a common cause of bad breath. Saliva keeps the mouth clean by washing away food particles and bacteria, which can lead to bad odours if the mouth does not have enough saliva.
When insufficient saliva is produced in the mouth, food particles can become stuck and decay on the teeth and gums, leading to gum disease and bad breath.
Additionally, bacteria in the oral cavity feed off these particles and produce sulfur compounds that cause bad breath.
Saliva is often used to treat dry mouth, increase the oral cavity’s moisture levels, and reduce odours.
Common Types Of Bad Breath
Bad breath is a common problem for many people. Different types of bad breath can vary in intensity and odour, depending on the underlying cause.
Fruity or sweet-smelling bad breath is often associated with diabetes or uncontrolled blood sugar levels. In contrast, bad breath that smells like rotten eggs is usually caused by an infection in the mouth or stomach.
Moldy or fungus-smelling bad breath may be due to sinus issues, while fishy-smelling bad breath could indicate kidney problems.
Faecal-smelling bad breath is typically associated with an intestinal tract disorder, and sour-smelling breath may result from acid reflux.
It’s important to properly identify the type of bad breath you have and take measures to treat it accordingly.
If your bad breath persists despite regular brushing and flossing, you should speak with your doctor to determine if there is a more serious underlying issue causing it.
Final Thoughts – Causes Of Mouth Odour In Adults In Nigeria
In conclusion, mouth odour in adults is a common problem that a variety of factors, including poor oral hygiene, certain foods, certain medications, and underlying medical conditions, can cause.
While the condition is usually not serious and can be managed through proper oral care, it can be embarrassing and uncomfortable.
Seeking professional advice from a dentist or physician can help to determine the cause and develop a treatment plan to manage and reduce the odor.
Recommended reading: Natural Remedies For Mouth Odour In Nigeria