How to treat bad breath. What causes bad breath: causes in adults

Bad breath (halitosis) affects everyone to one degree or another. For some, this is an intermittent problem that occurs after waking up, eating specific foods or alcohol, or smoking. Sometimes the smell is one of the symptoms of diseases of the internal organs, especially the gastrointestinal tract.

Bad breath worsens social life person, interferes with contact with others. That is why many people are worried about what to do when it appears? There are many ways to combat halitosis at home. They are simple, inexpensive, and most importantly, natural and completely safe.

How to remove bad breath depending on the cause?

In order to get rid of it forever bad breath, it is necessary to understand the reason for its appearance. A bad specific odor provokes:

The main cause of halitosis in adults is the proliferation of harmful bacteria and microorganisms in the mouth. In the absence of oxygen, they release chemicals that have a very unpleasant odor. In addition, bacteria contribute to the development of plaque, tartar and oral diseases, which are also accompanied by bad breath.

After smoking and alcohol

Bad breath after smoking is due to several reasons:

1. the healthy microflora of the mouth is disrupted, which contributes to the development of harmful microorganisms;
2. long-term smoking causes the accumulation of tar and nicotine on the surface of the teeth in the form of a dense yellow plaque;
3. the production of saliva decreases, which washes away excess plaque, food debris and bacteria (which is why you always feel thirsty after smoking).

An effective and correct solution to the problem is giving up a bad habit. If a person is not ready to quit smoking, important recommendations must be followed:

Traditional methods that will help you quickly remove bad breath after smoking:

1. coffee beans (chewing a couple of beans is enough);
2. fresh or candied ginger (has a persistent spicy aroma and has antiseptic properties);
3. citrus fruits: lemon, orange, grapefruit (after a smoke break, eat 1-2 slices of fruit along with the peel);
4. bay leaf (chew the dry seasoning leaf);
5. dry cloves (has a rich smell and taste, kills bacteria);
6. any nuts and roasted sunflower seeds ( nutmeg fights odor better than others);
7. fresh mint or lemon balm leaves.

A specific smell after drinking alcohol or “fumes” is caused by decay products ethyl alcohol– aldehydes. Removing them from the body as quickly as possible helps get rid of hangover amber:

Emergency ways to freshen breath:

1. citrus zest (essential oils have a persistent odor);
2. coffee beans;
3. Bay leaf;
4. cloves, cinnamon;
5. ginger;
6. baking soda (pour a little baking soda onto a soft toothbrush and thoroughly clean the surface of the tongue and other soft tissues);
7. rinsing your mouth with saline solution.

After meal

Food debris can get stuck between the teeth, allowing excessive bacteria to build up. This is the main cause of bad breath. Careful hygiene and regular rinsing can completely cope with it.

If you notice that your mouth stinks, you can eat an apple some time after your main meal. Contained in it fruit acids will clean the oral cavity and improve breathing. A glass of drinking water with a slice of lemon will also cope with this task.

The following will help eliminate persistent odors from onions, garlic and fish:

• fresh fruits and vegetables;
• parsley;
• bread;
• sour drinks;
• milk;
• green tea;
• coffee beans.

After sleep

Everyone has a stale smell after waking up. During sleep, processes in the body slow down, saliva production decreases, plaque and microorganisms accumulate. Brushing your teeth and rinsing your mouth quickly solves the problem.

Rinsing your mouth with a saline solution, baking soda solution, or herbal decoction provides an additional antibacterial effect, which means it helps get rid of odor. Remember, plaque forms not only on the teeth, but also on the mucous membranes, which also need to be cleaned.

Due to gastrointestinal diseases

Changes in acidity and disruption of the gastrointestinal tract cause a specific odor, which quickly returns after brushing your teeth. For the best results, it is necessary to simultaneously treat the disease and monitor the oral cavity.

Recipes for treating the gastrointestinal tract and normalizing its functioning:

Before proceeding with treatment, do not forget to consult a doctor and undergo the necessary examination. The doctor must confirm the diagnosis and give everything necessary recommendations. It is also necessary to agree with him home therapy folk remedies. Unpleasant symptoms, including the smell, will disappear after complete recovery.

Home recipes: a review of universal folk remedies

This article talks about typical ways to solve your issues, but each case is unique! If you want to find out from me how to solve your particular problem, ask your question. It's fast and free!

Traditional medicine has collected a number of universal recipes for pleasant breathing. They have refreshing, cleansing and disinfecting abilities. Such products can be used in any situation, and can also be included in daily dental and oral care. Of course, they will not cure ailments of the internal organs, but your mouth will smell pleasant.

Hydrogen peroxide rinse

The product can rightfully be considered radical and truly effective due to the antibacterial properties of peroxide. The solution completely destroys all anaerobic microorganisms that cause odor. In addition, many diseases of the teeth (caries, periodontal disease) and soft tissues (stomatitis, candidiasis, etc.) are prevented (we recommend reading: ). Among the numerous reviews about the procedure, you can often find mention of its whitening effect. Tooth enamel becomes 1-2 shades lighter.

Can only be used as a solution. To do this, no more than three teaspoons of 3% hydrogen peroxide must be dissolved in 100 ml of warm boiled water. You need to rinse your mouth 3 to 5 times a day.

During rinsing, you may experience a slight burning sensation, tingling sensation, or the formation of white foam. This happens when there are wounds, punctures, ulcers or inflamed areas in the mouth. The procedure will be beneficial in this case.

Hydrogen peroxide is an aggressive alkaline substance. Improper use of the solution can lead to burns of the mucous membrane, and if a large amount of liquid is swallowed, to burns of the walls of the stomach. The rinse solution should not be swallowed (when rinsing, a few drops enter the body, but this is not dangerous).

Use of activated carbon

Activated carbon is one of the first absorbents, which, like a sponge, absorbs harmful substances and removes them from the body, thereby cleansing it. The drug is used for various purposes, it is harmless and has high cleansing properties. Taking charcoal helps not only eliminate odor, but also improves a person’s well-being.

For urgent breath freshening, you need to take a double dose of activated carbon (normal dosage is 1 tablet per 10 kg of weight). After two or three days, you should switch to the usual dosage of the drug. The course of treatment is 7-14 days, depending on its results. According to reviews, improvements are felt already on the fourth day.

Recipes with vegetable oil

Rinse your mouth with a tablespoon of high-quality vegetable oil for 5-10 minutes. Afterwards, you need to spit out the oil and rinse your mouth with plain water; you should not swallow it. Repeat rinsing twice a day. The oil can permanently remove pathogenic bacteria and freshen breath.

Mix 2 tablespoons of oil with a teaspoon of fine salt. Rinse your mouth with the resulting product for at least five minutes twice a day. Do not swallow oil and salt. Do not eat or drink for 30 minutes after the procedure.

Gargling with herbal infusions

Herbal infusions and decoctions refresh, cleanse and treat certain diseases. The rule of use for them is the same - you need to rinse your mouth 3-5 times a day, after clearing it of food debris.

The most common recipes:

Bad breath is a concept defined as the perception of another person's breath. This feeling can become either pleasant and attractive or repulsive and disgusting. The terms “bad breath,” “halitosis,” and “bad breath” apply to the second category of odors. However, bad odors do not always originate from the oral cavity, so these names cannot be considered complete synonyms, and the terminology of the general name “bad breath” does not cover all causes of the disease. The definition of breath aroma should be distinguished from odors that come from consuming strong-smelling foods (such as onions or garlic), cigarettes, or taking medications (Corvalol, etc.), since their appearance does not indicate health problems. A similar characteristic is found in “morning” bad breath, which appears when a person wakes up. It is caused by a decrease in saliva production and the processing of food debris, and after brushing your teeth, the smell disappears without a trace. Only the appearance of a stable “amber” from the mouth indicates the presence of a deviation.

Epidemiology

In general, bad breath is a common reason for complaints and visits to a doctor in society.
Its presence shapes a person’s position in society, but for a long time this was not considered by scientists or doctors. Halitosis is one of the causes of social discomfort and is also unacceptable in society. Many people regularly spend large sums of money on chewing gum, lozenges, aerosols, and other means of eliminating bad breath. However, few people know that it would be more effective to invest in diagnosing and eliminating the causes of heavy odors.

Bad breath: classification

There are 3 types of halitosis: true, pseudohalitosis and halitophobia. True halitosis is a concept that characterizes the existence of bad breath, which is diagnosed organoleptically or by measuring various compounds. If it is impossible to recognize an unpleasant odor, but the patient is sure of its presence, pseudohalitosis should be diagnosed. If, after treatment of both of the above types of halitosis, the patient is sure of their presence, then halitophobia is diagnosed. It is classified as a psychiatric disease.

Etiology

Usually the root cause of unpleasant odor is the oral cavity. Diseases such as gingivitis, periodontitis and often the presence of plaque on the tongue are considered the most common sources of stench. According to research conducted in this area, there are two reasons for the development of pathogenesis. The first is an increase in the number of certain circulatory metabolites that are released when air is exhaled from the lungs through the alveoli. This outcome is usually caused by the patient having systemic disease. The second reason is characterized by an increase in the number of bacterial load substrates in the area of ​​the respiratory tract, oropharynx or esophagus, that is, the presence of tumors or infectious lesions in these areas causes the appearance of odors. The most common bacteria that cause halitosis are spirochetes and Prevotella intermedia/nigrescens, Aggregatibacter actinomycetem comitans (formerly Actinobacillus actinomycetem comitans), Fusobacterium nucleatum, Peptostreptococcus micros, Campylobacter rectus, Tannerella forsythia, Eubacterium spp, Porphyromonas gingivalis.
There is a certain category of patients who are confident that they have bad breath. For them, there is the concept of imaginary bad breath syndrome, or halitophobia, which is associated with the presence of hypochondria and obsessive-compulsive disorder in a person.
The appearance of a persistent aroma is usually attributed to the presence in the patient's body of volatile sulfur substances: hydrogen sulfide (H2S), methyl mercaptan (CH3SH) and dimethyl sulfide [(CH3)2S], which was originally discovered by Professor Joseph Tonzetich.
In particular precedents, the catalytic function is performed by diamines (putrescine, cadaverine), indole, skatole and volatile organic acids (for example, butyric or propionic acid). Most of these substances appear as a result of proteolytic degradation of peptides by bacteria contained in salivary fluid, in desquamated epithelium, remnants of undigested food, gingival-reticular fluid, interdental plaque, nasal drops or blood. Gram-negative anaerobic microorganisms possess such proteolytic energy.
Non-oral causes of halitosis also include substances containing volatile sulfur compounds that are not isolated separately. Metabolites can appear and be absorbed in any organ (liver, stomach, etc.) and spread through the bloodstream to the lungs. The exhalation of foul-smelling metabolic end products in high concentrations causes halitosis.
The fluid of the gums, capturing circulating molecules of compounds in the blood, also plays an important, but not large (due to its volume) role in creating the ground for the development of the disease.
The presence of a characteristic odor accompanies extraoral causes, but they are much more difficult to detect. Thus, for uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, the sweetish taste of ketones is typical, the smell of sulfur is present in liver pathology, and renal failure accompanied by a specific fish aroma due to the content of dimethylamine and trimethylamine.

Proteolytic degradation of four amino acids by bacteria (2 - sulfur-containing, 2- sulfur-free), which leads to the formation of halitosis

Bad breath: intraoral causes

Language and features of its surface.
The mucous membrane of the dorsum of the tongue (occupying about 25 sq. cm) is characterized by a specific irregular texture landscape.
Rough oval lymph elements are located on the dorsal area. The frontal area is characterized by greater roughness due to the many papillae located here: filiform (0.5 mm long), mushroom-shaped (0.5 to 0.8 mm long), leaf-shaped and grooved (diameter 2 to 3 mm). . A huge number of these depressions are an excellent place for bacterial adhesion and reproduction, protected from third-party interference when cleaning the surface. In addition, desquamated cells and food waste accumulate here.
A folded tongue with ulcers of significant depth (otherwise known as scrotal) or a hairy tongue are characterized by the greatest surface roughness. Accumulating food debris, together with cells and microorganisms separated from the mouth cavity, provoke the development of deposits on the back of the tongue. They are difficult to remove due to the peculiarities of the lingual plane with characteristic irregularities. These two elements contribute best to the process of decomposition and rotting, which is why most scientists point to the back of the tongue as the main culprit of bad breath. As treatment practice shows, the repulsive aroma is directly related to the content of anaerobic bacteria in salivary fluid and plaque.
Periodontal diseases.
Specialized studies have proven the existence of a relationship between the appearance of halitosis and periodontitis. However, in practice there are patients who are not bothered by bad breath despite gingivitis or periodontitis, and the literature on this issue does not provide a clear answer to the interdependence of bad breath and periodontal diseases. The microbes that cause these diagnoses can indeed produce volatile sulfur compounds.
The level of volatile sulfur-containing substances in the breath correlates well with the capacity of periodontal pockets (the connection between these two factors is direct: as the pocket deepens, the number of anaerobic microbes increases), and the quantitative indicator of the presence of sulfur compounds during exhalation progresses with an increase in the number, depth and bleeding of periodontal pockets. During its development, volatile sulfur compounds aggravate periodontitis, increasing the permeability of the pocket and mucous epithelium, and subject the main connective tissues of the periodontium to the influence of bacterial metabolites. It should also be noted that methyl mercaptan increases the production of interstitial collagenase, the production of interleukin-1 (IL-1) by mononuclear cells and the release of cathepsin B, thereby predetermining tissue destruction. Sepsis of the fibroblast cytoskeleton, cell proliferation and migration are noted when using methyl mercaptan.
The influence of volatile sulfur compounds, in addition to the above effects, complicates the wound healing process. For this reason, when planning periodontal surgery, in particular the installation of implants, doctors should include the possibility of pathological exposure to sulfur-containing substances in their calculations.
Plaque as a central factor in the development of halitosis is indicated by studies that prove that the correlation between periodontitis and halitosis is much weaker with active plaque deposits on the tongue. The appearance of plaque is caused by the presence of a large number of bacteria, causing diseases periodontal disease, on the back of the tongue, and in patients with periodontitis, the likelihood of heavy plaque is 6 times greater. This is due to the peculiarity of the course of periodontal disease, characterized by the appearance of plaque, and, as a result, bad breath.
An alternative cause of bad breath is considered pericoronitis(“hood” of soft tissue, under the surface of which bacteria multiply and plaque accumulates), multiple ulcerations, herpetic and necrotizing gingivitis or periodontitis. Experiments by microbiological scientists indicate that more pungent odors are emitted due to infection with gram-negative anaerobes (for example, Prevotella and Porphyromonas species) compared to uninfected ones.
Dental pathologies.
The etiology of bad breath may lie in the condition of the teeth: there may be extensive carious lesions filled with rotting food debris, wounds left after extraction and filled with blood clots or purulent discharge. The accumulation of plaque and the appearance of a specific odor is facilitated by crowded teeth or the presence of a large number of crevices, as well as wearing acrylic dentures. Bacteria also constantly accumulate on inner surface tooth facing the gums due to its porous texture.
Dry mouth.
The disease xerostomia causes a decrease in the amount of saliva secreted, as a result of the lack of fulfillment of the basic salivary function- disinfection - the patient develops a large amount of plaque and deposits on the tongue. Increased content microbes in the body and the reaction of releasing sulfur compounds in the form of gases with reduced salivation cause the appearance of an unpleasant odor. Some scientists equate stress with the causes of increased sulfur formation in the surface of the mouth, but this theory is not accepted by all researchers due to the impossibility of finding an exact connection between stress and decreased salivation. Other reasons for detecting xerostomia include taking medical supplies, Sjogren's syndrome (a type of disease), diabetes and alcoholism.

"Coated tongue

Bad breath: extraoral causes

Extraoral causes can be divided into several groups:
1. Diseases of the ENT organs, which include bacterial and viral infections nose, throat, ear
2. Diseases of the respiratory tract (bronchi and lungs)
3. Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract represent the largest group, starting with various forms of esophagitis, stomach diseases, including peptic ulcer (Helicobacter pylori infection)
4. Diseases of the liver and kidneys are considered as a pathology of the excretory system
5. Pathologies of metabolic processes most often leading to the accumulation of ketone bodies (substances with a characteristic odor) and other compounds.
6. Hormonal changes (associated with the menstrual cycle)

Physiology of unpleasant odor detection

Human breath contains up to 150 types of various molecules. The properties of molecules during exhalation determine the possibility of their perception. Certain gases are characterized by a pungent aroma even at low concentrations in the air, while others are detectable only in large volumes.
Molecular apperception is determined by several factors:
1) Olfactory reaction. As a rule, it is completely different; you may like, dislike or repel the aroma. Each molecule has its own threshold concentration that allows it to be detected.
2) The power of the smell. This is the amount required to increase the odor per unit concentration.
3) Volatility of the compound. Molecules that carry stench are perceptible only in a volatile state.
4) Essence. The molecule must be stable; only if its nature is preserved can it be the root cause of the smell.
Hydrogen sulfide and methyl mercaptan have the strongest power. If the concentrate of these substances is strengthened by 5 to 10 times, the smell receives an increased organoleptic rating. For example, other substances, in order to achieve a similar effect, will require an increase of 25, and possibly 100 times. Skatole and methyl mercaptan have the lowest detection threshold; their detection capability exists even at the lowest concentrations. The fastest transition from a liquid to a volatile state is accomplished by 3 sulfur molecules.
In the works of researchers J. Kleinberg and M. Kodipilli, there is mention of an experiment: a small amount was placed on the skin of the back of the hand aqueous solution odorous volatile substance, and then the odors were given an assessment called organoleptic. All reagents emitted a noticeable odor that weakened over time. Some molecules (such as hydrogen sulfide and methyl mercaptan) disappeared almost instantly, while others created a stench for a long period of time (these include indole and skatole, ten minutes).

Odor threshold and odor intensity of basic substances

Assessment of odors on the hand

Diagnosis of halitosis

Story
To correctly diagnose a patient with a disease that causes bad breath, you need to start with a detailed medical history. It is necessary to clarify the presence of pathologies characteristic of this manifestation. Careful collection of information will not take much time, but will save it in the future, when making a diagnosis and prescribing treatment. The interview with the patient should take place in the doctor's office without the presence of unauthorized persons and always before any clinical examination. In this case, the patient will feel more confident. Which means with more likely will provide full description diseases.
Questions required when collecting anamnesis:
1) Frequency of occurrence of bad breath (monthly or daily).
2) Time of manifestation during the day (after eating or waking up).
3) Date of initial manifestation.
4) Is the problem noticeable to others (the question will exclude pseudohalitosis).
5) Is the patient taking any medications?
6) The presence of predisposing circumstances: breathing through the mouth, dry mouth, allergies and diseases of the nasopharynx.
Clinical and laboratory studies
Introspection
Involving the patient in monitoring the effectiveness of treatment through self-analysis has good results, especially when diagnosing an intraoral cause. This can be an additional incentive for more careful hygiene.
It is possible to use self-diagnosis methods:
The presence of an odor from a silver or plastic spoon after scraping on the back of the tongue.
Smelling toothpick after inserting into the interdental area.
The appearance of the aroma of saliva in a small spoon (especially after drying).
Emission of odor from a licked and dry wrist.
Excluding foul-smelling substances from the body allows us to draw the most objective conclusions. It makes no sense to draw conclusions based on the results of exhaling into your hands, since the smells of skin and washing products can be confusing. You should also keep in mind the subjectivity of the self-assessment and filter the information received from the patient.
Oropharyngeal examination.
An inspection of this kind consists of drawing up full picture condition of the oral cavity and searching for the root cause of the odor. They may be: extensive carious lesions, the presence food leftovers in the cavities between the teeth, wounds, bleeding gums, the formation of periodontal pockets, plaque on the tongue, dry mouth. You will also need to examine the tonsils and pharynx to determine tonsillitis and pharyngitis.
Organoleptic evaluation.
This method has long been considered the “gold standard” in diagnosing halitosis. It is easy to use and popular because it provides a complete picture of the patient's daily condition. The basis of this technique is to assign an intensity rating to an odor on a scale from 0 to 5. An experienced trained “judge” is invited to participate, whose task is to sniff the patient’s exhaled air and evaluate it for the degree of stench. This method was developed by scientists Rosenberg and McCulloch, who proposed to evaluate breath in this way: “0” - no smell, “1” - barely perceptible, “2” - weak but detectable, “3” - moderate, “4” - strong and "5" - smelly.
Portable monitor of volatile sulfur compounds.
This is an electronic mechanism that analyzes the saturation of air with hydrogen sulfide and methyl mercaptan, without dividing them among themselves.
The air flow exhaled by the patient is aspirated through a straw attached to the flexible tube of the device. It is held 2 cm further than the lips, without touching any surface, while the patient keeps his mouth slightly open and breathes through his nose. The voltage sensor used in the device gives a certain signal when interacting with sulfur-containing vapors.
Gas chromatography.
The device used in gas chromatography is capable of analyzing breath, saliva or gingival fluid. Its most important advantages are mass spectrometry - the ability to identify the presence of many compounds in air or liquid (up to 100 in gingival fluid and up to 150 in air) and increased sensitivity. The device detects almost any substance under certain conditions.
Dark background microscopy or phase contrast microscopy.
Gingivitis and periodontitis are usually directly related to increased amount microbes and spirochetes, therefore proportional changes help monitor improvements in treatment. An alternative benefit of this technique is the patient's awareness of the presence of bacteria in plaque, tongue coating, and saliva. However, the plaque is often mistaken for food scraps.
Saliva incubation test.
Analysis of the empty zone above incubated saliva using gas chromatography indicates the proximity of volatile sulfur compounds with elements such as indole, skatole, lactic acid, methylamine, diphenylamine, cadaverine, putrescine, urea, ammonia, dodecanol and tetradecanol. When combined with certain proteins, for example, lysine or cysteine, cadaverine or hydrogen sulfide is released. Sensory assessment of the empty space above saliva enhances the ability to monitor ongoing therapy. Due to minimal contact with the oral cavity, this method is preferred for those suffering from halitosis.
Electronic nose.
Electronic noses extract certain components of the aroma and look at its chemical composition. The device includes programs for detecting chemical compounds, a microelectronic sensor and an odor recognition device. It is relatively inexpensive and compact in size, but its adaptation is possible only for highly specialized studies, when the desired metabolites have been identified. The electronic nose model is considered to be an idealized and perfected human nose, but at this stage requires significant improvements.

Different types of tests for halitosis

Analyzer of volatile sulfur compounds. The device displays the total number of sulfur compounds in parts per billion particles in the patient's exhaled air.

Portable gas chromatograph. Computer displays detected particles for 8 minutes

Equipment for gas chromatography. TD thermal desorber for molecules trapped in collectors; GC gas chromatograph for separation of substances; MS spectrometer for substance determination

Bad breath: treatment

Prescribing treatment for bad breath is inextricably linked to its root cause. It should be taken into account that the odor is caused by the metabolic degradation of proteins by certain oral microorganisms, therefore, treatment should be following methods:
actual destruction of intraoral substrates and microorganisms;
destruction of microbes using chemical action;
transformation of fetid odors into non-volatile substances;
"amber" disguise.
First of all, when prescribing treatment, it is necessary to reduce the content of micronutrients through mechanical hygiene of the oral cavity, including, without fail, cleansing the tongue. The appointment should include procedures for treating and monitoring the patient’s periodontal status and the use of rinses containing chlorhexidine and other rinses to eliminate odor. If malodor persists during all of these procedures, non-oral sources of the disease, such as lung disease, gastrointestinal infections, and metabolic disorders, should be checked.
The problem of halitosis emphasizes the need for a doctor to have clear diagnostic skills and emphasizes the importance of knowledge in chemistry. The first feature is that the appearance of bad breath causes a huge number of both intraoral and extraoral diseases, and important information for treatment can be obtained by taking a thorough medical history of the patient even before the examination. The second distinguishing feature is the recognition of volatile substances and gases, understanding their modes of release and other characteristics. This knowledge will help guide the use of effective treatments. In addition, this knowledge contributes to the development of long-term treatment planning and the prediction of the results of mechanical or chemical interventions to reduce the oral microbial load.
Mechanical reduction of intraoral nutrients and microorganisms
Due to the constant accumulation of microorganisms on the back of the tongue, this area should be cleaned especially carefully. As practice shows, regular implementation of this procedure helps to reduce plaque and reduces the quantitative content of microorganisms, thereby improving breathing. There is also an alternative view that the microbial load is reduced only slightly when mechanical plaque cleaning is used, and the improvement in odor is associated with a decrease in nutrients.
To clean your tongue, you can use either a regular toothbrush or a special anti-plaque scraper.
According to studies, with regular use of this procedure, bad breath improves by about 75% in a week. In order to prevent damage to the integrity of soft tissues, gentle but deep cleaning should be carried out, because It is on the back of the tongue that the maximum accumulation of plaque occurs. Cleaning must be done until the plaque is completely removed. During the procedure, a gag reflex may appear, but with frequent repetition it disappears; during treatment, it is also possible to use a gauze swab to pull out the tongue. A pleasant addition to fresh breath will be an improvement in taste perception.
Cleaning teeth and the spaces between them are the most important methods for mechanically controlling plaque buildup on teeth. They cleanse the mouth of food debris and microorganisms, causing rotting and the corresponding aroma. However, according to clinical observations, only brushing with a toothbrush does not reduce the concentration of volatile sulfur compounds. Complex measures, cleaning both teeth and tongue, show results 2.5 times better than one, and bad breath disappears for up to 1 hour.
Practical application of the theory
The proliferation of bacteria in the oral cavity is the most common cause of halitosis. Most of the molecules that emit an embarrassing odor are produced by the anaerobic metabolic reaction of proteins with the subsequent massive release of volatile sulfur compounds, including hydrogen sulfide. Microorganisms living in the biofilm attached to the teeth, as well as bacterial plaque on the plane of the tongue, have a key influence in sulfur formation. This is especially true for patients with subgingival deposits.
It is possible to control the bulk of the unpleasant odor by using periodontal treatment methodology: removing plaque, reducing pocket depth, as well as regular additional cleansing of the mouth and tongue. Rinsing the mouth with chlorhexidine-containing solutions helps completely eliminate and control the appearance of unpleasant odors.
Despite the advent of fairly accurate electronic instruments that recognize sulfur compounds, as well as the widespread use of gas chromatography, which determines the exact proportions in 150 compounds, the classical doctor's sense of smell and assigning a score from 0 to 5 to the smell is one of the most effective methods of assessment. Separately, it should be emphasized that the patient’s words on this issue should not be relied upon due to the subjectivity of the assessment. If a periodontal cause for the appearance of pungent odors is identified, it will be necessary to prescribe therapy characteristic of such diseases, including: one-step cleaning, containing scaling and root curettage using chlorhexidine. These procedures can reduce the level of malodorous substances by up to 90%. Treatment should also include oral hygiene, but with this problem, only carrying out hygiene measures will not give the desired result.
Chewing gum helps temporarily mask bad breath, stimulating work salivary glands. Saliva, in itself, has disinfecting properties, so patients with reduced salivary function are characterized by increased sulfur formation and abundant coating on the tongue, compared to patients with normal discharge saliva.
According to Wahler's research, regularly chewing gum that does not contain active ingredients, help reduce halitosis, but to a limited extent.
Periodically, to check the area of ​​origin of the odor or the effectiveness of the mouthwash used, the doctor prescribes a bacteria-containing mouthwash. nutrient, which enhances the unpleasant aroma emitted. Thus, when rinsing with a liquid containing amino acid compounds, the release of hydrogen sulfide sharply increases.
Reducing the number of microorganisms by chemical means
Active mouth rinsing in the treatment of halitosis is a fairly common practice. The most common reagents in rinses are antimicrobial substances: chlorhexidine, cetylpyridinium chloride, essential oil, chlorine dioxide, hydrogen peroxide and triclosan. At the same time, it should be remembered that their effect is limited in time, and the lack of an integrated approach to treatment will not help achieve the required result.
Chlorhexidine.
This reagent is used as the most effective antibacterial agent against plaque. The active substance in its composition penetrates the membranes of bacterial cells, increases its permeability, after which cell lysis and death occur.
Regular rinsing of the mouth with chlorhexidine causes a dramatic decrease in the content of sulfur-containing substances in the breath and the organoleptic rating. But with effectiveness in the fight against bacteria, one should also take into account side effects, namely: discoloration of tooth enamel and tongue, rancid taste in the mouth and short-term weakening of the sensitivity of taste buds.
Essential oils.
With regular rinsing with Listerine containing essential oils, scientists have recorded a 3-hour effect of reducing unpleasant odor. Moreover, when considering the quantitative reduction of bacterial plaque, the drug consistently reduces the level of microorganisms by 25% at frequent use within four days.
Chlorine dioxide.
Chlorine dioxide (ClO2) is a powerful oxidizing agent that eliminates odors through the oxidative reaction of hydrosulfide, methyl mercaptan and the amino acids methionine and cysteine. With a one-time rinsing with a liquid containing this substance, a gradual decrease in the concentration of oral bacteria occurs.
Rinsing with water and oils in two stages
Rinsing the mouth with water containing oils with cetylpyridinium chloride was developed by the scientist Rosenberg. He proved that the effect this tool consists in the adhesion of oral bacteria to oil droplets, and cetylpyridinium chloride becomes the reaction catalyst. The effect of use is observed when rinsing twice a day, morning and evening, and in terms of indicators exceeds the effectiveness of using Listerine.
Triclosan.
This active substance is a generally recognized agent against most types of oral bacteria and is well compatible with other elements contained in oral hygiene products. Experiments show that rinsing with a liquid containing 0.15% triclosan and 0.84% ​​zinc provides a more significant reduction in unpleasant odor than rinsing with Listerine. However, the effect produced on hydrogen sulfide largely depends on the accompanying reagents.
Amine fluoride or tin fluoride.
The combination of amine fluoride with tin fluoride (AmF/SnF2) provokes a decrease in odor even with infrequent cleaning.
Hydrogen peroxide.
Use as active substance in the mouthwash, 3% hydrogen peroxide leads to a sharp reduction (up to 90%) in the respiration of volatile sulfur compounds, and the result lasts for 8 hours.
Oxidizing candies.
Lollipops that contain an oxidizing agent have a weaker effect. Their validity period is approximately 3 hours. This effect is caused by dehydroascorbic acid, formed during the peroxide oxidation of ascorbate, contained in candies.
Modification of volatile sulfur compounds
Soluble metal salts.
Metal ions show their effectiveness in capturing sulfur-containing gases. Zinc is an ion with two positive charges (Zn++) that binds to doubly negatively charged sulfur radicals, resulting in reduced release of volatile sulfur compounds. Mercury and copper have a similar effect. Clinically, volatile sulfur compounds inhibit CuCl2; SnF2; ZnCl2.
Experimentally inhibited HgCl2=CuCl2=CdCl2; ZnCl2>SnF2; SnCl2; PbCl2.
Zinc, when compared to other metals, is not highly toxic and does not accumulate to discolor tooth enamel. In practice, the zinc chloride contained in the rinse aid shows high effectiveness in the therapeutic process, the level of sulfur compounds is reduced by 80%, and organoleptic indicators are reduced by 40% in 3 hours.
Rinse aids containing 0.05% chlorhexidine, 0.05% CPC and 0.14% zinc lactate, in practice, are more effective than 0.2% chlorhexidine solution in reducing the level of volatile sulfur compounds and organoleptic characteristics. An outstanding result is achieved as a result of the conversion of volatile sulfur compounds with zinc, and is “polished” with an antibacterial effect. The combination of Zn++ and chlorhexidine works great when used in combination.
Toothpastes.
Practical experiments have proven improved breath freshness for up to 3 hours when using a product containing soda. Its bactericidal effect causes inhibition of bad breath and converts volatile sulfur compounds into a non-volatile state.
Pastes containing zinc citrate and triclosan, when applied to the back of the tongue, reduced bad breath for a period of up to 4 hours. But it was noticed that when the oils were removed, the activity of the ingredients decreased. When using pastes with triclosan for 7 days, sulfur levels decreased by 41%.
Chewing gum.
When preparing chewing gum, fluorine or chlorhexidine is added to the product, which improves breath freshness. Tea extract additives have deodorizing properties. At the same time, epigallocatechin is considered the main deodorizing agent in relation to tea catechins. The interaction of epigallocatechin and CH3SH produces a non-volatile substance.
Chew gum containing 2 mg for 5 minutes. Zn++ acetate, a reduction in volatile sulfur compounds was observed by 45%, but the effect was short-term.
Means for hiding unpleasant odors
The range of camouflage products that freshen breath for a short period of time is very extensive. These include lozenges, sprays, rinses, and chewing gum. Their working effect is based on the increased secretion of saliva, which subsequently dissolves volatile sulfur compounds. A similar effect is achieved with heavy drinking or the periodontoparotid reflex caused by chewing, that is, stimulation of the salivary glands during chewing.
Conclusion
Bad breath carries an important social burden and indicates the presence of a disease. Correct diagnosis and preventive oral hygiene contribute to maximum therapeutic effect. Despite the prevalence of plaque on the tongue, periodontitis and gingivitis, the possibility of serious illnesses. Identification of the true causes of halitosis should occur with the participation of doctors of related specializations and in combination with trial therapy: strengthening oral hygiene, introducing mouthwashes, tongue scrapers and other tools for cleansing the breath.

Surely, at least once in their life, any adult has suffered from bad breath. Doctors call this phenomenon halitosis , and it happens varying degrees severity, therefore there are quite a lot of manifestations of pathology. This is due to the fact that bad breath can be caused by a variety of reasons - from obvious bad habits or interference with the body’s normal functioning, to the first manifestations of diseases of vital organs.

Determining the problem in an adult

If a person is bothered by bad breath in the morning, then this is quite normal phenomenon, which occurs as a result of drying out of the oral cavity, as well as processes occurring at the base of the tongue, around it, between the teeth and in the gum pockets. This can be corrected by cleaning your mouth thoroughly or having it checked by your dentist.

note

The exact opposite is chronic bad breath. This indicates a pathology that cannot be ignored. We will talk in detail about the symptoms, causes and methods of combating in this material.

Ways to independently identify pathology in yourself

Before diagnosing yourself, you should make sure that the problem really exists, and that it bothers you all the time, and not just in the morning. If you are ashamed to ask your loved ones about this, then there are several ways when you can determine the severity of this pathology yourself. The fact is that by exhaling and inhaling you cannot always feel the full purity of your own breath, so there is a so-called bad breath test.

How to check your breath odor:

1. The usual sharp exhalation into the palms - Almost everyone does this to determine the presence of bad breath;
2. Run your tongue along your wrist, wait a few seconds and smell your saliva. Often, bad breath will be several times stronger than saliva from the tip of the tongue, where the processes causing development unpleasant odors are inhibited by saliva. As mentioned above, problem areas are located under the tongue, at the far walls of the inside of the cheek, in the gum area and between the teeth;
3. Lick the spoon or even place it under your tongue - then by smell it will be possible to more accurately determine the degree of pathology.

To identify signs of halitosis, it is worth taking a closer look at the more serious manifestations of the disease. They will help make sure that it is necessary to start fighting the disease.

Symptoms of pathology:

• White or yellow coating in the mouth and tongue;
• Dry mouth;
• Burning sensation in the mouth;
• When rinsing the cavity there is an unpleasant taste;
• Chronic metallic taste in the mouth (sour, sweet and bitter taste).

The main causes of bad odor

Breathing problems bother many people, but the causes of halitosis can vary widely. In some cases, bad breath can signal the presence of more serious illnesses.

Can be shared causes of bad breath in adults into two conditional categories:

• Internal factors;
• External factors.

Internal factors include all deviations in the functioning of the body - that is, illnesses . External ones include direct interference with the functioning of the body - that is, bad habits , excessive consumption of harmful foods, and sometimes vice versa - reducing the consumption of vital substances. In addition, this category includes violation of hygiene rules . Let's look at these factors in more detail.

Disease - as a cause of bad breath

The most serious causes of bad breath are third-party diseases, which result in breathing problems. In most cases, the cause of halitosis is diseases of gums and teeth . Less rare bad smell from the mouth may be caused diseases of the ENT organs. In these cases, the culprit is a favorable atmosphere for the proliferation and spread of bacteria and microorganisms. Patients who delay treatment for a long time almost always develop dryness and bad breath.

In other cases, patients whose bad breath is a symptom go to the doctor. diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, liver, respiratory system, thyroid gland .

What diseases can cause bad breath:

• Gingivitis;
• Periodontitis;
• Caries;
• Tartar;
• Glossitis;
• Deviations in the functioning of the salivary glands;
• Stomatitis;
• Chronic tonsillitis;
• Bronchitis;
• Rhinitis;
• Nephrosis;
• Kidney dystrophy;
• Sinusitis;
• Tuberculosis;
• Pneumonia;
• Gastritis;
• Ulcer;
• Enteritis;
• Colitis;
• Hyperthyroid crisis;
• Diabetes.

Bad breath disease increases as the general condition worsens, which is why it is so important not to ignore this symptom, but to immediately get checked for the presence of diseases by professionals.

Causes of halitosis in a healthy person

What can cause bad breath if we are not talking about diseases? The causes of bad breath in healthy adults are determined by several external factors - that is, interference in the functioning of the body from the outside.

Use of medications

Some medications (antihistamines, diuretics, tranquilizers, antidepressants and substances designed to normalize blood pressure) have side effects defiant dehydration of tissues in the oral cavity . Dryness itself causes an unpleasant odor: the less saliva in the mouth, the less the cavity is cleared of food debris, dead cells and plaque. As a result, decomposition processes in the mouth cause halitosis.

Tobacco use

As a result of smoking or chewing tobacco products chemicals are absorbed into the mucous membrane and soft fabrics oral cavity, remain on the teeth and almost never leave the smoker’s breath - that is, they are the cause of chronic halitosis. Among other things, smoking provokes dehydration of the oral cavity - another harbinger of bad breath.

Dentures

If a person with dentures has problems with an unpleasant odor, it means that they are not cleaning them well enough, and bacteria that accumulate on the surface of the dental structure cause a strong odor. You can find out how unpleasant breathing is by conducting a small experiment: You should leave the denture in a closed container overnight. The smell that has accumulated there overnight will show how advanced the halitosis is.

Diet, fasting

Strict diets or even fasting have a detrimental effect on the functioning of the entire body, and bad breath is just one of the symptoms that its functioning is impaired. Doctors advise switching to proper regular nutrition and a balanced diet.

Types of unpleasant odor

What kind of bad breath can there be, and what is this or that “aroma” associated with? What you should pay attention to when bad breath appears is its distinctive feature. It is the smell that can tell what exactly the patient’s problem is.

Ammoniacal

If the patient pays attention to breathing and feels bad taste ammonia, perhaps this is a signal from the body indicating kidney problems.

Sour

Breath with a sour taste warns of problems caused by increased stomach acidity. If the unpleasant odor is accompanied by attacks of heartburn or nausea, then this symptom of gastritis, pancreatitis, ulcers and many other diseases in this area.

Rotten eggs

This unpleasant smell warns of pathologies of the digestive tract accompanied by low acidity. Sometimes this breathing can be a sign food poisoning.

Acetone

Breath that tastes like acetone often indicates serious pathologies of the pancreas, including diabetes mellitus and hyperthyroidism. Sometimes this bad breath warns of malfunctions. kidneys, liver and stomach.

Putrefactive

Breath with a hint of putrefaction appears when diseases of teeth, gums, salivary glands, diseases of the respiratory system. Sometimes this odor can be caused by problems with the digestive system.

Kala

The smell of feces from the mouth often indicates serious violations at work intestines.

Sweet, metallic

Breathing of this type is observed in patients suffering from diabetes. diabetes or vitamin deficiency.

Methods to combat bad breath

How to get rid of this problem? First of all, any doctor will say that it is necessary to accurately identify the cause, and then deal with the elimination of the effect. We have the power to deal with the problem comprehensively, without missing any details.

What to do to get rid of bad breath?

Having accepted the problem, you should know how you can cope with it on your own. Let's consider in detail, how to deal with bad breath.

Care

First of all, special attention should be paid oral hygiene , as bacteria and decaying food particles cause bad breath. When cleaning, be sure to pay attention to all tongue surface . In addition to regular teeth brushing, experts advise using dental floss for cleaning hard-to-reach spaces between teeth.

Visit doctor

If such problems are identified, you should definitely undergo general tests and visit dentist, gastroenterologist, ENT specialist, endocrinologist or pulmonologist . But if, in addition to unpleasant breathing, there is also pain, burning, discomfort in a specific area of ​​the body, this is what you should pay attention to first.

How to deal with the disease at home

An adult suffering from halitosis faces a lot of difficulties in Everyday life related to communication, work, personal life. In addition to the methods listed above, there are also emergency but proven ways to eliminate bad breath, which will be useful for those who have just begun to fight the pathology.

Bad breath can be removed with simple remedies that can be found in every home.

Herbal infusions

Methods of combating halitosis tested by our ancestors - rinsing the mouth with infusions of medicinal herbs. Cumin, peppermint, wormwood and string are suitable for these purposes.

Vegetable oil

Take a tablespoon of oil into your mouth and rinse your mouth for 10 minutes. After this, the liquid must be spat out. During the rinsing process, decomposition products will dissolve and be washed out of hard-to-reach places. If after the procedure the oil becomes cloudy, it means that it has completed its task.

Special solution

Bad breath can be removed using a solution of hydrogen peroxide (3%) and drinking water in a 1:1 ratio. Experts advise using this method after meals.

Cosmetic concealers

More obvious, but short-lived, remedies are fresheners, rinses and mouth sprays. Many people use lollipops and chewing gum, but these products only help for a very short time.

Hello dear readers. Persistent bad breath is a widespread problem. Even in developed countries, the number of people suffering from this does not fall below 30%, and often reaches 65%. Why does my breath stink - what to do? The reasons may vary, ranging from insufficient hygiene and ending with pathological conditions and serious diseases. Therefore, attempts to mask the smell often provide only a short-term effect. And in order to completely correct the situation, you may need the help of a specialist and targeted treatment. The repulsive odor emitted by the oral cavity creates considerable discomfort for its owner. And not only him. People forced to talk to him cannot always hide their disgust.

A person who has bad breath, or who thinks that he has this problem, tries to engage in dialogue less often, stay away from others and not even breathe in their direction.

What can we say about close contact and personal life? But there is another contingent - people who are absolutely unaware that their breath smells disgusting. Then someone still has to dare to tell them about it.

And such news should be taken adequately - absolutely no one is immune from this problem.

Why your breath stinks - what to do

So why does this terrible smell occur? The reasons here are often medical in nature. But even a completely healthy person can encounter this.

Causes of halitosis if a person is healthy

Bad breath (the medical term is halitosis) is common to all people. This characteristic phenomenon after waking up from a night's rest is considered normal.

Where does this terrible smell come from? This is a consequence of the activity of microorganisms. During the daytime profuse salivation suppresses the activity of microbes.

And during sleep, all functions, including the functioning of the salivary glands, are slowed down. Bacteria multiply rapidly, and the result of their activity is that same repulsive aroma. It is very easy to eliminate with the help of a standard morning procedure - brushing your teeth.

Bad breath can become unpleasant not only in the morning. During the day, especially in hot weather, the mucous surface of the oral cavity can become quite dry.

There may be other reasons for decreased activity of the salivary glands, for example, nervous strain. As already noted, saliva not only moisturizes the oral cavity, but also cleanses and disinfects it.

Here you can recommend quenching your thirst more often or sucking lollipops, which activates the activity of the salivary glands. If the candies contain mint or eucalyptus extract, this will definitely help avoid the appearance of unpleasant odors in the mouth.

Everyone knows the specific property of some food products to haunt the eater for a long time after eating them with a terrible smell.

We are, of course, talking about garlic and onions. So you have to be wary of putting onion rings in salads and not using garlic products to prevent colds.

After all, neither toothpaste nor chewing gum can guarantee getting rid of an annoying specific spirit.

Where does the persistent smell come from in this case? The sulfur compounds contained in these products are to blame for everything.

They are the ones who “defile” the breath and for a long time make themselves felt with a specific taste in the mouth and an eerie aroma. In addition, the smallest particles of onion or garlic remain in the uneven surfaces of the teeth, and their juice is absorbed into the existing plaque at the base of the teeth.

Therefore, in order to get rid of annoying smell, you need to thoroughly brush your teeth, preferably using toothpaste for essential oils. You can also use the odor removal tips below.

But not only these phytoncide-rich foods can cause bad smell. As you know, the environment in the human mouth is slightly acidic. Eating many foods causes an increase in acidity. And in such conditions, bacteria feel comfortable and actively multiply.

The predominance of meat and dairy dishes in the diet creates conditions for the release of sulfur dioxide gases. And abuse of coffee drinks, regardless of their caffeine content, as well as confectionery products and sweet soda leads to acidification of the environment in the oral cavity and the appearance of an unpleasant odor. As for alcoholic drinks, they cause drying out of the mucous membrane and a decrease in its protective function.

During fasting, including therapeutic fasting, there is no constant flow of food. Therefore, the body begins to break down fat-like substances with the formation of volatile compounds that have an unpleasant odor.

This causes the appearance of characteristic “acetone” breath. Hygiene techniques do not help here. It is necessary to ensure the supply of carbohydrates to the body.

Why does smokers' breath smell?

Smokers also have a terrible odor from their breath. It occurs for several reasons.

1. Tobacco smoke and nicotine themselves have a characteristic, persistent odor. It literally permeates the smoker through and through; the tobacco spirit comes from clothes, skin, hair, and oral mucosa.
2. Smoking leads to decreased secretion of the salivary glands. This weakens the protective properties of the mucous membrane and leads to increased development of microorganisms in the oral cavity and the appearance of bad breath.
3. It is typical for smokers inflammatory diseases periodontal Smoking also increases the formation of tartar. All this contributes to the development of halitosis.

But, according to dentists, bad breath is most often due to negligence in hygiene. Insufficient oral care or its complete absence has a lot of negative consequences.

And bad breath is the least evil here. All kinds of damage in the form of caries, periodontal disease, gingivitis, stomatitis quickly develop against the background of non-compliance with hygiene rules.

Bad breath as a consequence of various diseases

The reasons for the appearance of a persistent unpleasant odor in the mouth may be the following problems:

✔ Dental nature.

✔ With respiratory organs.

✔ In the food digestion system.

✔ With endocrine glands.

In approximately 85% of cases, the cause of halitosis lies in damage to the oral cavity. This can be caries, inflammation of the periodontal tissues, diseases of the mucous membrane, tumors.

Dry mouth syndrome, caused by poor saliva secretion, also often causes a persistent bad odor.

The mouth may become dry due to certain pharmacological agents, damage to the salivary glands, predominance of mouth breathing.

Halitosis can also develop due to partial exposure of the tooth root. It causes high sensitivity teeth, which makes it difficult complete care for them at home.

Halitosis can be observed with damage to the larynx, tonsils, nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses(sinusitis, chronic runny nose, sinusitis, pharyngitis, flu, inflammation of the tonsils, proliferation of adenoids).

Wherein pathogenic microflora produces volatile compounds that have an unpleasant odor. A similar problem is observed in the inflammatory process or the presence of tumors in the lower respiratory tract. The smell may be putrid.

Digestive problems also lead to bad breath. It is generally accepted that in the presence of such pathologies, digestive gases rise into the oral cavity and spoil breathing. But that doesn't happen often.

General changes are observed in the digestive tract, which includes the oral cavity. There is also a decrease protective properties organism, which leads to the uncontrolled growth of pathogenic microorganisms responsible for the appearance of a disgusting odor.

Other causes of halitosis include:

✔ Diabetes.

✔ Failures in metabolic processes.

✔ Hormonal imbalance, including cyclical processes in women.

✔ Nervous-emotional stress.

✔ Impaired functioning of the kidneys and liver.

✔ Availability of dentures.

How to check your bad breath - is there a problem or not?

A person cannot always assess the degree of freshness of his breath. If you have any suspicions, you can conduct several unique tests.

1. First you need to wash your hands, without soap, so as not to cover the smell. Cover your nose and mouth with your palm, exhale through your mouth and inhale this air through your nose. You can breathe through your mouth into a bag, paper or plastic, and then sniff its contents.
2. You need to moisten (lick) saliva, for example, your wrist or cutlery and let dry. Afterwards, you should sniff to see if the unpleasant odor remains.
3. Use a cotton swab to lightly wipe the oral mucosa - tongue, palate, inner surface of the cheeks. Then smell it.
4. You need to use dental floss and then analyze its aroma.

It is better to do this not in the morning, but in the middle of the day or in the evening. If you brushed your teeth or used chewing gum, it is better to carry out tests only after a few hours - aromatic additives can blur the picture.

If the tests described do not give clear results, then you should overcome shyness and ask a loved one if your breath is fresh enough.

If you don’t have enough determination, you should visit your dentist and report that you have this problem. Let him confirm this or completely dispel your doubts.

If necessary, you will need to visit other specialists, for example, an ENT specialist or a gastroenterologist.

How to get rid of bad breath

First, you need to identify the cause of the persistent unpleasant odor. Particular attention should be focused on oral hygiene. Are you using a brush with medium-hard bristles that is easy to maneuver?

Do you brush your teeth thoroughly, even in hard-to-reach places? Perhaps the whole process takes you less than a minute instead of the required two or three.

Or you don’t use dental floss, and you’ve never even heard of a tongue scraper. Please note that most of the microbes are concentrated on the mucous membrane. So the tongue should be thoroughly cleaned without fail.

We should also not forget about the need to rinse the mouth with a special composition or at least clean water after each meal, even if it is a minor snack or just a glass of juice.

Chewing gum effectively removes food particles and normalizes acidity in the mouth. But you should only chew it for a few minutes.

Regular visits to the dentist and sanitation procedures will help avoid various problems, including bad breath.

All dental damage that occurs needs to be eliminated as quickly as possible, and inflammatory processes in the mouth need appropriate treatment. Tartar should also be removed.

If this entire set of measures does not give the desired result, then you should consult a therapist. He will order tests and refer you to specialists.

It should be remembered that toothpastes, elixirs, chewing gum, and aerosol products only mask the unpleasant aroma. They give, or even do not give at all, only a temporary effect. To completely get rid of the problem of bad breath, you should approach the issue comprehensively, focusing first on eliminating the root cause.

Folk remedies for getting rid of bad breath

How to exterminate the garlic-onion spirit:

1. Eat garlic and onion dishes at the beginning of your meal.

2. Eat them with fresh herbs (parsley, celery, cilantro).

3. Eat some nuts or seeds.

4. Cinnamon will help minimize the smell.

5. Chew a few coffee beans and hold them in your mouth.

6. Milk and dairy products reduce the intensity of the odor.

Herbal rinse

Rinse aids will help eliminate unpleasant odors. homemade(or purchased) based on mint, oak bark, chamomile, arnica, sage. They have a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect and have an antiseptic effect.

For a glass of boiling water you will need 1-2 tbsp. l. raw materials (you can use a mixture of herbs). The liquid is infused, filtered and used after each meal.

Oil emulsion

An oil-water emulsion can be used as a rinse aid. Anything is suitable for its preparation. vegetable oil, including sunflower. It is mixed 1:1 with water and shaken thoroughly until the composition is homogeneous.

Hydrogen peroxide

Disinfect the oral cavity using peroxide diluted with water. Rinse your mouth thoroughly with it, removing excess odors.

Sorbents such as activated carbon can also solve the problem of bad odor. To do this, drink several charcoal tablets before bed and then in the morning. Repeat for several days.

Buckwheat flour

Traditional medicine recommends a 10-day course of buckwheat flour to combat unpleasant odor (half a teaspoon on an empty stomach daily). After a three-day break, the treatment is repeated.

Pine needles and mint

Natural flavorings include pine needles and fresh mint. They need to be washed, lightly chewed and held on the cheek. Various fruits, especially citrus fruits, as well as carrots, celery root, and Jerusalem artichoke will also help freshen your breath and remove plaque from your teeth.

To eliminate unpleasant odor in the mouth, you need to use an integrated approach. And for the measures taken to have the necessary effect, it will take time. If the cause of halitosis is medical in nature, then you need to take care of your health, and not focus your efforts only on masking the stench.

Bad breath causes a lot of negative emotions, develops an inferiority complex, and becomes an obstacle to normal interaction with other people. This problem is very common among the adult population, but only in some cases it is pathological in nature. People have bad breath due to inflammatory processes in the gastrointestinal tract, due to caries, insufficient oral hygiene, etc. To get rid of this unpleasant phenomenon, the cause of its occurrence should be found out and eliminated.

Why do people have bad breath?

Bad breath occurs as a person grows older and this phenomenon is medically called halitosis or halitosis. Usually its sources are pathogenic microorganisms that accumulate on the tongue, gums and in the interdental space. There are two groups of reasons why bad breath occurs – physiological and pathological. The first group is caused by the influence of natural factors that are not a consequence of health problems. The second group includes various diseases that contribute to the appearance of an unpleasant odor.

Physiological reasons:

1. Poor oral hygiene, irregular or insufficient brushing of teeth.
2. Caries.
3. Alcohol abuse.
4. Tobacco smoking.
5. Eating certain foods, such as garlic or onions.
6. Poor nutrition, strict diets.
7. Starvation.

Pathological reasons:

1. Gastritis.
2. Peptic ulcer disease.
3. Enteritis.
4. Colitis.
5. Pancreatic dysfunction.
6. Liver pathologies.
7. Diseases of the ENT organs of a purulent nature.
8. Pneumonia.
9. Tuberculosis.
10. Carious lesions of teeth.
11. Diabetes.

Why does bad breath appear with healthy teeth?

Many people look for the origin of the problem in caries and other dental problems. However, very often, even after complete elimination of dental pathologies, and despite regular visits to the dentist and careful hygiene, the problem of bad breath persists. This suggests that the causes of this phenomenon must be sought in the body, since the above pathologies most often serve as its causes.

There is also a pathology called xerostomia, which is characterized by insufficient salivation and increased dryness oral cavity. In most cases it occurs against the background of other diseases, for example, diabetes or HIV. As a result of a lack of saliva, which has an anti-inflammatory and neutralizing effect, and also washes away pathogenic bacteria from the teeth, a person develops a very unpleasant odor from the mouth.

Other clinical manifestations xerostomia is discomfort while talking or eating, constant thirst, difficulties with swallowing, the appearance of ulcers on the mucous membrane, etc.

The main “culprits” of unpleasant odor

There is a special type of bacteria that causes that specific bad breath. Such microorganisms are called anaerobic or gram-negative, and they produce chemical compounds, which become the source of bad breath. This happens when the number of such bacteria begins to predominate, and the microflora in the oral cavity is disrupted. The favorite foods of anaerobic microorganisms are proteins found in meat and fish, eggs, etc. Therefore, in order to avoid bad breath, both in adults and children, it is necessary to use a toothbrush regularly.

Types of smell

Halitosis can be a consequence of any disease, and each of them is reflected in a person’s breathing. Taking into account the nature of the unpleasant odor, the direction in which to look for the problem is usually determined.

The smell of rot

The main causes of putrid breath in adults:

• Plaque on teeth.
• Carious lesions of teeth.
• Insufficient saliva production.
• Stomatitis.
• Sinusitis.
• Inflammatory processes in the respiratory organs.
• Pathologies of the digestive organs.
• Abscesses.
• Poor quality oral care.
• Periodontitis.
• Tobacco smoking.

Smell of acetone

This unusual odor from the mouth appears for the following reasons:

• Diabetes.
• Dehydration of the body.
• Liver pathologies.
• Kidney diseases.
• Long-term diet for weight loss (Kremlin, protein, French, etc.).
• Pathologies of the thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism).
• Acetonemia.

Sour smell

Sour breath occurs due to the following factors:

• One of the first symptoms of a stomach ulcer.
• Increased acidity of gastric juice.
• Diaphragmatic hernia.
• Cardiospasm.
• Gingivitis.
• Metal crowns in the mouth.
• Fungal infection of the oral mucosa.
• Helminthiasis.
• Uncontrolled drug therapy.
• Gastroesophageal reflux.
• Hormonal imbalance.
• Nervous shock, severe emotional stress.
• Violation of metabolic processes.

Rotten smell

Foul breath indicates a large amount of hydrogen sulfide released in the digestive tract as a result of eating protein foods. A rotten smell is felt by others when a person speaks or breathes through the mouth. This phenomenon is also observed when the production of digestive fluid is low, especially when a person overeats, or when low acidity gastric juice.

So, rotten smell from the oral cavity occurs under the influence of diseases:

• Lazy stomach syndrome (low motility).
• Biliary dyskinesia.
• Cirrhosis of the liver (causes the smell of rotten meat).
• Stenosis of the pylorus of the stomach.
• Chronic cholecystitis.
• Diverticula of the esophageal wall.
• Atrophic gastritis.

Ammonia breath

The smell of ammonia from the oral cavity appears due to a violation of metabolic processes, when decay products are released not through the genitourinary organs, but partially through the lungs.

This problem is widespread and, in addition to metabolic failures, occurs for the following reasons:

• Poor nutrition with a predominance of protein foods in the diet. The removal of ammonia is difficult due to overload of the liver and kidneys.
• Insufficient water intake.
• Starvation.
• Reception medications and vitamin complexes containing nitrogen and amino acids.
• Liver diseases.
• Diabetes.
• Kidney failure.
• Thyrotoxicosis.

Sweetish smell

Bad breath with a sweetish tint can be the result of many pathologies, including dental ones. Most probable reasons occurrence of bad breath:

• Immunodeficiency.
• Diabetes.
• Duodenitis.
• Cytomegalovirus infection.
• Disturbance of carbohydrate metabolism.
• Candidiasis.
• Depression or stress.
• Inflammation of the gums.
• Dehydration of the body.

Stool smell

Such a smell arising from the oral cavity becomes the main cause of problems in interacting with other people.

This phenomenon is always provoked by diseases of the digestive organs:

• Intestinal neurosis.
• Intestinal obstruction.
• Dysbacteriosis.
• Frequent constipation.
• Diverticulitis (obstruction of the esophagus).
• Biliary dyskinesia.
• Helminthic infestations.
• Pancreatitis.
• Gastritis.
• Increased or decreased acidity.
• Peptic ulcer disease.

Diagnosis of halitosis

Bad breath may be a consequence natural causes, and also be a sign of a set pathological processes. If this phenomenon is permanent, then most likely we are talking about diseases of the internal organs, or dental problems. A person can independently determine whether his breath smells. To do this, you can take a cotton pad or swab and swipe inside cheeks, on the back of the tongue and on the teeth, and then sniff. But self-diagnosis, as a rule, is not effective, so if you suspect this problem, it is better to contact a specialist.

Typically, the patient undergoes the following types of examinations:

• Collecting anamnesis, identifying concomitant diseases.
• Examination by a dentist, gastroenterologist, otolaryngologist.
• Halimetry.
• PCR diagnostics.
• Microbiological research.
• Test for the presence of dysbacteriosis.
• Analysis for acidity level.
• Gastroscopy.
• Ultrasonography.
• X-ray.
• Determination of helminthiases, etc.

What foods cause bad odor?

Each body is individual and everyone reacts differently to use. food products, some people immediately develop an unpleasant odor from the mouth, while others individuals fresh breath remains even after smoking a cigarette. Much depends on the state of metabolism and the presence of concomitant diseases.

However, there is a list of products that, when consumed, even in absolutely healthy person breath becomes stale:

• Fresh onions.
• Garlic.
• Alcoholic drinks.
• Horseradish.
• Black coffee.
• Carbonated drinks.
• Salty fish.

What foods freshen your breath?

In order for the breath to always be fresh, and bad breath not to bother either the person himself or those close to him, it is recommended to drink more clean water, which washes away food debris and pathogenic microorganisms from the teeth and oral mucosa.

Eating the following foods will also help eliminate the problem:

• Juicy fruits, vegetables and berries, which promote additional saliva production and create negative conditions for the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria.
• Natural yogurt without fruit filler and containing lactobacilli reduces the level of sulfide compounds, which are a source of unpleasant odor.
• Fresh herbs: dill, parsley, celery.
• Carnation.
• Sweet dill seeds.
• Anis et al.

Treatment methods for halitosis

In order to get rid of the problem in question, it is necessary to identify and eliminate the root cause of its occurrence. Treatment of the disease that caused this symptom is one of the measures to eliminate foul odor from mouth. But in any case, this problem requires an integrated approach, which, in addition to drug treatment pathology requires careful adherence to oral and dental hygiene.

Basic principles of treatment of halitosis depending on the established diagnosis:

1. Antibiotic therapy.
2. Anti-inflammatory drugs.
3. Diet therapy.
4. Treatment of carious teeth.
5. Traditional methods for eliminating odor.
6. Stimulation of salivation.
7. Elimination of helminths from the body.

Prevention

The most important preventative measure– This means thorough oral hygiene, regular brushing of teeth, preferably after every meal. Children with small age You need to instill the habit of brushing your teeth so that in the future they will not have caries and, as a result, bad breath. It is also advisable to use dental floss, and during morning hygiene procedures pay attention not only to the teeth, but also to the tongue and the inner surface of the cheeks. Additionally, it is recommended to use special rinses containing sodium chlorite, chlorine dioxide, zinc or cetylpyridone chloride. Such products destroy bacteria, neutralize sulfur compounds, and reduce the number of pathogenic microorganisms. It is necessary to visit the dentist regularly in order to eliminate incipient caries and other diseases in a timely manner.

Equally important is the prevention of constipation, dysbacteriosis, gastritis, peptic ulcers and other pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract, the presence of which is determined by the unpleasant odor from the oral cavity. Proper nutrition and a healthy, active lifestyle will help prevent the development of such health problems.