Bad Breath? What Does It Mean?

If you think you have bad breath, you can take a simple test: Lick the inside of your wrist and smell it. If the smell is unpleasant, your breath is probably not fresh either.

However, bad breath is not just a matter of dental hygiene. It can also indicate health problems, such as kidney or liver failure or diabetes. For example, breath that smells like ammonia can indicate kidney or liver problems. Meanwhile, fruity breath can be a sign of uncontrolled diabetes.

Why does our mouth smell bad?

Most cases of bad breath are caused by sulfur-producing bacteria that live on the surface of the tongue and throat. These bacteria sometimes break down proteins quickly, releasing volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) that cause foul odor. However, bad breath is not contagious.

Other major causes of bad breath include

• Dental factors include periodontitis (an infection around the teeth), cavities, tartar, cracked teeth, or poor oral hygiene.
• Medications, alcohol consumption, stress, or certain medical conditions can all cause dry mouth.
• Smoking reduces the amount of oxygen and minerals in the mouth, which can lead to bacterial growth.

Other causes include

• Reflux of acid and bile from the stomach
• Discharge from the nose – for example, due to chronic sinusitis
• Severe health conditions, such as kidney failure, some types of carcinoma, metabolic dysfunction, and biochemical disorders, only account for a small proportion of cases of bad breath.
• Foods such as onions, garlic, or cauliflower can cause a temporary odor. However, this effect is only temporary.

Treating bad breath

Bad breath can indicate health problems, lower self-confidence, and make the person you talk to uncomfortable. Benjamin Franklin once said, "It is much easier to prevent bad habits than correct them." This quote also applies to bad breath; it is better to maintain oral health from the start than deal with this problem later.

Unfortunately, there is no instant "cure" for bad breath. Treatment depends on the cause. It is critical to stay hydrated and maintain good dental hygiene, which includes brushing and cleaning between teeth and brushing your teeth at least twice a day or after every meal is recommended. Use a toothbrush with gentle bristles. Several products, such as mouthwash, lozenges, and toothpaste, can help overcome this problem.

Tongue cleansing is also necessary. The tongue can store bacteria, resulting in unpleasant breath. Brush the tongue softly from the back to the front.

The back of the tongue, which is the hardest to reach, usually smells the most. A toothbrush cannot reach plaque from food between the teeth. As a result, it is recommended that you brush your teeth at least once a day using dental floss.

For those with chronic sinusitis, regular use of saline nasal sprays may be necessary. Sometimes, doctors also prescribe antibiotics that are effective against anaerobic bacteria if necessary.

Even if your breath is fresh and your mouth is healthy, it is crucial to maintain oral health before more serious complications arise.

What if I have issues with my dental health?

If you have bad breath or other dental health issues, immediately visit the GWS Medika Permata Hijau Main Clinic. This health clinic in Jakarta provides services such as scaling and stain cleaning, teeth whitening, and various treatments to maintain the health of your mouth and teeth.

• Scaling and stain cleaning. These treatments remove tartar and plaque that cannot be cleaned with a regular toothbrush.
• Teeth whitening enhances the appearance of dull or stained teeth caused by diet or habits, such as smoking.
• Routine check-ups: Routine dental check-ups should be performed at least once every six months. Not only when there is a problem but also to maintain overall oral health and prevent problems, such as cavities or periodontitis.

Dental examinations and treatments at the GWS Medika Permata Hijau Main Clinic, a dental clinic in Jakarta Selatan, are carried out by general dentists and specialist dentists so that you get the treatment you need. The GWS Medika medical team is always ready to provide the best service.

Immediately make an appointment at the dental clinic in Permata Hijau and maintain your dental and oral health to avoid more severe problems in the future.