Bad breath or halitosis, is a common complaint amongst the general population.  It has a negative impact on personal life, hampering social and professional growth.

HOW DO I KNOW?

TRUTH is- not everyone who suffers from it, is aware of it. Often the nose gets de-sensitized, leading to loss of self-awareness. But this doesn’t have to be in your case. Often, spouse, family members, friends & colleagues are hesitant to point it out. As a consequence, they may distance themselves. If you feel the need to tell someone, the right approach is to tell them privately – saving them “social embarrassment”.

WHAT IS THE CAUSE?

Volatile Sulfur Compounds (VSC) released by bacteria are the main culprits. Most common source is the Mouth. Gum infections, decayed tooth, unclean tongue, poor oral hygiene & dry mouth – harbor VSC producing bacteria. Other sources include-tonsilitis, pharyngitis, diabetes, respiratory infections, gastrointestinal diseases, liver & kidney diseases etc.

Morning breath is a normal physiological phenomenon, but if the bad breath continuous throughout the day- it is pathologic.

QUICK FIXES?

Quick fixes like mints, chewing gum, deodorant sprays- “DO NOT WORK”. Their effect lasts a couple of minutes, masking the underlying unaddressed cause. Avoiding odorous foods (garlic, onion etc.) and habits (smoking, alcohol etc.)  can help.

WHAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT IT?

There is no shame in discovering your bad breath. The first step is acknowledging the fact –  you have it. It is a fully treatable condition. Secondly, you need to see a good Dentist. The Dentist would correctly diagnose the cause & address it respectively.

“DO NOT AVOID DEALING WITH BAD BREATH”

“YOU DONT HAVE TO LIVE WITH BAD BREATH FOREVER”

“DONT LET BAD BREATH RUIN YOUR LIFE”

“A BAD BREATH CAN COST YOU GREAT OPPORTUNITIES”

Dr.Manthan Desai MDS

Smiles Dental Clinic-Centre For Advanced Dentistry, Mumbai.

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