Bad breath, medically known as halitosis, is a common problem that affects one in four women. It is an uncomfortable condition that often leads to insecurity and stress, especially in social situations. This article focuses primarily on the causes and solutions for bad breath in women.
Main causes of bad breath
The main cause of bad breath in women and men is usually in the mouth itself. Bacteria in our oral cavity, on our tongue and in the throat play a central role. These bacteria can be divided into many different species, all of which have the task of decomposing food remains. Unfortunately, some of these types of bacteria form volatile sulfur compounds that are responsible for the bad smell. These bacteria are particularly stubborn and multiply particularly quickly under certain conditions:
Groceries
Sugary foods, such as sweets, soft drinks and fruit, can increase the growth of certain bacteria that cause bad breath. However, these should not be confused with foods such as garlic, onions and spices, which have a strong odor and can also cause bad breath.
dry mouth
A dry mouth can also cause bad breath. Saliva cleans the oral cavity by removing bacteria and food particles. Therefore, a dry mouth promotes bad smells, which are especially noticeable when you wake up.
Certain diseases
Several diseases can affect the respiratory system and potentially affect the smell of your breath. These include asthma, cystic fibrosis, kidney failure, liver failure, and others. Diabetes can affect your breath because the disease increases glucose levels in the saliva, which encourages the growth of certain bacteria, causing bad breath.
Poor dental hygiene
Perhaps the most common cause of bad breath is poor dental hygiene. Failure to brush and floss teeth daily can lead to an excessive buildup of bacteria between the teeth and on the gums, causing bad breath.
Smoke
Not only does tobacco stain teeth and irritate gums, it can also cause bad breath. When you smoke, the chemicals in cigarettes stick to the surface of your teeth and gums, leading to more sulfur-releasing bacteria.
Bad breath in women during pregnancy
Bad breath can also occur during pregnancy. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can lead to bad breath. Increased hormone levels can cause more plaque to form, which can lead to gum inflammation and bad breath. In addition, nausea and vomiting, which are common during pregnancy, can also lead to bad breath.
What can you do about bad breath?
There are several ways to prevent and treat bad breath. Here are some tips that may help:
Good oral hygiene
Good oral hygiene is key to preventing bad breath. Regular brushing, flossing and mouthwash can help keep your mouth clean and free of odor-causing bacteria.
Drink lots of water
Drink plenty of water to prevent dry mouth. A dry mouth can promote bad breath because it reduces the production of saliva, which serves to keep the mouth clean.
smoking cessation
If you smoke, you should consider quitting. Smoking can cause bad breath and affect your overall health.
Probiotics for the oral flora
An additional way to prevent bad breath and eliminate bad bacteria is to take oral probiotics, such as PRObiom® Dental. These contain special bacterial strains that inhibit the growth of bad bacteria and build up a healthy oral flora in the long term.
Regular dental check-ups
Regular dental exams and cleanings can help prevent bad breath. Your dentist can remove plaque and tartar that can cause bad breath and give you tips on improving your oral hygiene.
Final Thoughts
Bad breath can be an unpleasant problem, but there are many ways to treat and prevent it. Establishing a routine of good oral hygiene, drinking regular fluids and taking probiotics is the quickest and safest way to combat bad breath in the long term. It is also important to maintain the routine during pregnancy in women and hormonal imbalances to stay free of bad breath.
