We all know that we can get bad breath from eating certain foods, such as onions, fish and garlic. But did you know that your breath can be an indicator of a more serious health problem? It can actually help to warn you about the possibility of other, more severe, illnesses and can actually be a life saver!
In no way should you assume that bad breath means you have any of these diseases, but your physician and dentist can help determine whether any further testing might be warranted based upon not only your breath but also your overall health, your family health history, and more.
Let’s talk first about some of the lesser, albeit significant, problems that can be detected with a breath test.
- Most commonly, bad breath can be a sign of significant tooth decay and gum disease. The bacteria that cause bad breath can grow in cavities and in your gums. Not only does this cause bad breath, but also pain in most cases and should be treated. Preventative measures, such as brushing, flossing and the daily use of your TUNG Brush and Gel, can help, but not cure, decay and gingivitis, so be sure to see your dentist regularly!
- As we have discussed before, allergies and postnasal drip can cause bad breath because of nasal congestion. When your nose is clogged up, you have to breathe through your mouth, leading to dry mouth which in turn promotes the growth of the halitosis-producing bacteria. Respiratory tract infections, such as sinusitis, flu or bronchitis can cause bad breath.
- Most of us wake up with “morning breath”, since your mouth tends to dry out overnight. But sometimes those with sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea and severe snoring also have a problem breathing through the nose, which in turn necessitates leaving the mouth open for a long time decreasing the production of saliva and increasing the production of bacteria.
- Sometimes when you have acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), the food you eat doesn’t get digested properly and can start to decay. This food can be regurgitated and cause bad breath as well as acidic erosion of the teeth.
Next time, we will talk about some very deadly diseases where early detection can be made from different breath odors. Here at TUNG Brush and Gel, our intention is never to frighten, but to educate! An informed consumer is a healthy consumer! And remember, if you ever have any questions about your health and your breath, please visit your dentist or physician.
