halitosis , condition where a person has a bad breath.

Bad breath or also called halitosis is a condition where a person has a bad breath. This condition is generally caused by food consumed, poorly maintained oral hygiene, certain health conditions, or bad lifestyle, such as smoking and consuming alcohol.

Some people use gum and mouth cleaning products to get rid of bad breath. The use of these products generally only has a temporary effect. The recommended way to get rid of bad breath is to overcome the cause.

Odor Symptoms

Symptoms of bad breath are usually accompanied by the appearance of signs or symptoms that occur in the mouth. These signs or symptoms include:

Arises discomfort or acid in the mouth.

Dry mouth.

The tongue is white.

Causes of Odor

Bad breath can be caused by many things, such as:

Food. Shallots, garlic, cheese, fish, spicy foods, orange juice, soda, and coffee can cause bad breath. The food will enter the bloodstream and be carried to the kidneys to cause bad breath.

The remaining food. Food left in the mouth or involved in the teeth and braces can cause bacterial growth and plaque in the mouth. Bacteria and plaque in the mouth will then cause bad breath to be unpleasant.

Dentures. Inappropriate or loose use of dentures can cause infection. The infection can cause bad breath.

Smoking and consuming alcohol. Smoking and consuming alcohol can leave substances in the mouth. These substances will settle and cause bad breath.

Poor oral hygiene. Rarely brushing teeth can cause food residue in the mouth to rot so that the breath becomes smelly. Poor oral hygiene can also cause plaque and potentially trigger periodonitis.

Health condition. Health problems experienced by patients can also cause bad breath or halitosis. These conditions include:

• Sinusitis
• Pneumonia
• Sore throat (pharyngitis)
• Flu
• Tonsillitis
• Sprue
• Bronchitis
• Diabetes
• Lactose intolerance
• Liver disorders
• Kidney disorders
• GERD or acid reflux disease

Dry mouth. Saliva functions as a mouth cleanser and treats leftovers. When the mouth is dry, saliva production will decrease, so bad breath can occur. The mouth will dry out when someone falls asleep so that the breath will smell bad in the morning. This condition is usually called "morning breath". Morning breath can worsen if the patient falls asleep with his mouth open. In addition, bad breath due to dry mouth can also occur when someone fasts.

Drugs. Medications that are being consumed can also cause bad breath. Antihistamine and diuretic drugs are examples of drugs that have side effects of dry mouth, which is one of the main causes of bad breath.

Pregnancy Nausea and vomiting are common during pregnancy is one of the causes of bad breath in pregnant women. In addition, this condition can also be triggered by hormonal changes, dehydration, and a high and varied desire to eat during pregnancy (cravings).

Diagnosis of Bad Breath (Halitosis)

If you often experience bad breath, it is recommended to consult a doctor. The doctor will check your condition through breathing in, both from the mouth or nose. If needed, the doctor can take saliva samples. This is intended to see if there are other diseases in the mouth, such as infections or disorders of the gums.

See your doctor immediately if you experience symptoms, such as:

Dry mouth that lasts a long time.

Pain or difficulty when chewing or swallowing.

Tooth ache.

Mouth ulcer.

Fever or fatigue.

There are white patches on the tonsils.

Odor Prevention and Treatment

Treatment for bad breath can vary depending on the cause. The following are common prevention and treatments to overcome bad breath:

Pay attention to patterns and eating menus.

Clean your mouth regularly. Maintain oral hygiene by diligently brushing your teeth. Also do cleansing on the tongue to get rid of bacteria on its surface.

Perform routine checks to the dentist, especially for those who install dentures or braces.

Stop smoking and consume alcohol.

Consumption of low-sugar candy or gum to prevent the mouth from becoming dry.

Drink and consume foods that require a lot of chew, such as apples and carrots.

Use mouth cleaning products.

Chew mint or parsley.

Consult a doctor if bad breath is caused by other conditions. This was done so that patients get appropriate therapy.

Consult with your doctor first before using drugs, including supplements and herbal products.

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