Page 70 - SACCO STAR ISSUE 43
P. 70
DOCTOR’S CHRONICLES
KEEPING BAD
BREATH AT
BAY
By Dr. Eric Njuguna So what are the causes?
B ad breath, also known as halitosis or Morning breath caused by depletion of saliva flow during
fetor oris is one of the most sensitive sleep which leads to malodorous gas-producing bacteria
topics to discuss. It makes a lot of people is quite common. Smoking and some medicine such as
uncomfortable. However, it is a topic that anti depressants, foods such garlic and onions can cause
needs to be discussed. bad breath since after they are digested their breakdown
products are carried in the blood to the lungs where they can
When one emits unpleasant odours through the affect the breath. Old age, dentures and fasting periods can
mouth, they can be associated with deficient oral also cause this. Children can also suffer from bad breath if
hygiene or with oral-related diseases. However, it can they have a foreign body lodged in their nasal cavity. Some
sometimes be a result of some other disease. metabolic diseases, cancers and liver failure can cause
halitosis, due to the specific mixes of chemicals that they
Primarily, there are two types of halitosis. Oral produce.
halitosis and extraoral halitosis. Oral halitosis
originates from the oral cavity itself and is due In addition, breath can smell bad if there has been a
primarily to the accumulation of oral bacterial prolonged period of vomiting, especially if a bowel
plaque on the tongue. It can also be caused by other obstruction is present and when on suffers from
situations such as: periodontal problems, dental caries, Bronchiectasis, a condition in which airways become wider
and smoking, among others. According to several than normal, allowing for a build-up of mucus can lead to bad
scientific studies, Oral Halitosis is responsible for 90% breath. Low insulin levels and pneumonia can also lead to
of all cases. this.
On the other hand, when halitosis originates outside Home remedies
of the oral cavity, it is known as extraoral halitosis.
One of 10 people with halitosis suffers from this and Hydrate. Drink ample amounts of water. Ensure you brush
it is dueto systemic conditions of the upper/lower your teeth at least twice a day, and floss to reduce the
respiratory tract, the digestive system, as well as liver build-up of food particles and plaque from between the
or kidney diseases. teeth. Clean anything that goes into your mouth, including
dentures or a bridge, and ensure you change your toothbrush
The most common cause of halitosis is poor oral after every 3 months. Practise brushing your tongue as food
hygiene. When food particles are left in the mouth, particles get stored here and minimise eating spicy foods,
their breakdown by bacteria produces sulfur alcohol and coffee. In case you take the measurers above and
compounds. your situation persists, visit a doctor.
68| SACCO Star Magazine
