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Halitosis simply means bad breath, a problem that many people experience at one time or another. |
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It is estimated that 40% of the population suffers from chronic halitosis at some time. |
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Many things can cause bad breath, including
- poor oral hygiene ( not brushing and flossing properly )
- Gum Disease
- Eating certain foods like onions or garlic
- Tobacco and alcohol products
- dry mouth ( caused by certain medications, medical disorders and by decreased saliva flow during sleep - hence the term morning breath.
- Systemic Diseases such as cancer, diabetes, liver and kidney disorders
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| How Do I know If i have halitosis |
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One way to test if you have bad breath is to cover your mouth and nose with your hand, exhale, and smell your breath. |
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Another way is to ask someone you trust whether or not your breath smells bad. |
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Keep in mind that many people experience "morning breath", which is the result of reduced saliva flow during sleep that allows acids and other debris to putrefy
in the mouth. |
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Brushing and flossing thoroghly before bed, and brushing your teeth and tongue first thing in the morning , will usually eliminate morning breath. |
| How Can I help Prevent Halitosis |
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In addition to avoiding foods that cause bad breath, you can reduce the chances of bad breath by
- Brushing thoroghly twice a day and flossing daily to remove plaque and food particles. Brushing your tongue will also help reduce bad breath.
- Removing dentures each night and cleaning them well bedfore replacing them each morning
- Visiting your dentist regularly for dental checkups and cleanings.
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If you have persistant bad breath that is not improved with brushing and flossing, see your dentist for a thorogh dental examination as this could indicate a more serious problem. |
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Only a dentist can tell if you have gum disease , dry mouth or e3xcess plaque buildup as a possible cause of bad breath. |
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