Halitosis, a taboo subject for patients
Bad breath problems?
The halitosis, known as bad breath, refers to the set of unpleasant or offensive odors that emanate from the oral cavity, regardless of their origin, this being a problem that practically anyone can suffer.
There are people who have bad breath and are not aware of their problem and there are others who live obsessed with an "imaginary" halitosis that cannot be confirmed. It is estimated that up to a third of the adult population has had or has a halitosis disorder.
In the Bahillo Dental Polyclinic we will put at your disposal effective treatments to combat this kind of problems and other pathologies related to dental health.
Types of halitosis
Intra-orally
It is the most common halitosis since it accounts for 90% of cases. It occurs when the bad smell comes from the back of the tongue and/or is also caused by one of the gum or periodontal diseases.
Extra-oral
Extraoral halitosis is associated with systemic conditions, mainly otorhinolaryngological problems.
From bad breath to oral pathologies
The halitosis, whose most obvious symptom is a bad smell, is usually associated with periodontal pathologies, which in themselves are a health problem that must be treated:
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is characterized by reddened gums that bleed easily and sometimes there is also thickening of the gums and interdental papillae.
Periodontitis
If there is evidence of a swollen, reddened gum that bleeds easily and also the presence of periodontal pockets, recession and bone destruction, which could be associated with dental mobility, spaces between the teeth, black triangles or tooth migration.
Maintaining good oral health is key to preventing this disorder. Hence, daily compliance with oral hygiene measures is advised, such as:
- Tooth brushing three times a day, especially after each meal.
- Interdental cleaning using dental floss or interdental brushes.
- Tongue hygiene measures with tongue scrapers, specially designed for this purpose.
- Use of specific mouthwashes.
In short, the best treatment is prevention, complying daily with adequate oral hygiene measures and regular dental check-ups. Likewise, given that there are many patients who are not aware that they have this problem, and others who mistakenly believe that they do suffer from it, the role of dentists, periodontists and hygienists is essential to inform and guide these people, as well as, to instruct and encourage the establishment of these hygiene measures in all patients.
We collaborate with
Project co-financed by
Financed Project – EXPTE. IG174.2014.1.232