Halitosis, commonly known as bad breath, is an unpleasant situation that can be noticed when you wake up or notice throughout the day when you are not eating or brushing your teeth frequently, for example.
Although halitosis is often related to poor dental and oral hygiene, it can also be a sign of illness, and it is important to consult your doctor when bad breath persists, as it is possible to identify the cause and start the most appropriate treatment.
Halitosis can be a consequence of everyday situations or chronic diseases, with the main causes being:
The diagnosis of halitosis is made by the dentist through a general assessment of the health of the mouth, in which the presence of cavities, tartar and saliva production is verified. In addition, in cases where halitosis is persistent, your dentist may recommend blood tests to determine if there is a disease related to bad breath and therefore the most appropriate treatment is recommended. Learn more about the causes of halitosis.
Treatment of halitosis should be indicated by the dentist depending on the cause of the bad breath. In general, it is recommended that the person brush their teeth and tongue at least 3 times a day after their main meals and floss frequently. In some cases, the use of an alcohol-free mouthwash may also be indicated to help remove bacteria that may be over-in the mouth.
If halitosis is related to the accumulation of dirt on the tongue, the use of a specific language cleaner is recommended. In addition, it is important that the person has healthy eating habits, such as giving preference to high-fiber foods, chewing well and consuming at least 2 liters of water a day, as this also helps improve breathing.
When halitosis is related to chronic diseases, it is important for the person to consult the doctor so that treatment can be done to fight the disease and thus improve breathing.
Watch the video below for more tips on how to combat halitosis: