AND a common disorder but also extremely annoying, causing discomfort in social relationships. Let’s talk about halitosisi.e. the issue of breath with bad smell. A problem that can have multiple causes.
In this period, for example, when, in view of the infamous ‘costume rehearsal’, we tend to cut out carbohydratesfavoring restrictive diets at the table, bad breath seems to be definitely lurking.
Bad breath and high protein diets
“Halitosis occurs more easily when following a low-calorie dietin which the proportions of carbohydrates are greatly reduced in favor of proteins and fats – he explains in fact Roberta Sabatini, Doctor and Food Science Specialist – In particular, in the ketogenic diets and in any case in those involving an excessive consumption of proteinsbad breath is one of the side effects of condition of ketosisor the particular metabolic state in which the body burns fat in order to produce daily energy and increases the production of ketone bodies, which are then deleted, as well as renally, also through the breathing».
Halitosis: knowing the causes to avoid it…
But high-protein diets are hardly the only cause of bad breath. First of all it is good to distinguish between physiological bad breathnot related to a specific disease, but a consequence, for example, of a meal of foods containing volatile compounds such as garlic and onionAnd pathological bad breathinstead caused by mouth problems or extra-oral problems related to the airways, larynx, upper digestive system.
“The 90% of pathological halitosis they are caused by mouth problems – explains Clotilde Austoni, Dentist Specialist in Odontostomatological Surgery – For this the first thing to do is go to the dentist to have one diagnosis. Originally, the presence in the oral cavity of bacteria that metabolize and produce foul-smelling gasesnotice how volatile sulfur compounds».
Bad breath: the most common causes
The accumulation of bacteria can itself have various causes.
“Often the cause is improper oral hygiene – Dr. Austoni specifies again. – If we do not brush our teeth properly and do not floss, the bacterial plaque remains on the surface of our teeth and the foul-smelling gases produced by the bacteria cause bad breath. But not only. Also there presence of caries can generate halitosis. In particular if the carious lesion has extended to the point to be created “a hole”i food residues stagnate and putrefy».
At the base also the poor salivation
Bad breath can also be there indicator of bacterial diseasessuch as gingivitis and periodontitis.
“Also there poor salivation it can be the cause of halitosis – the expert points out. – People who have reduced saliva production, have a condition that favors the proliferation of anaerobic bacteria in the oral cavity”.
Halitosis: when the problem is the language
Not only that, even the bacteria itself accumulate on the tongue they can then cause bad breath.
“Language is potentially a reservoir of anaerobic bacteria – in fact explains Dr. Austoni. – One of his single epithelial cell can host up to 100 bacteria. If the dentist identifies this as the cause of halitosis, it will be sufficient to cleanse the tongue with a special instrument, the tongue cleanerso from eliminate bacteria and dead cells and solve the problem».
Bad breath and fasting: is there a relationship?
We often hear that too fasting for many hours can have consequences on breath. It’s really like this?
“Only to the extent that fasting it creates acidity – specifies the expert – but it is not a condition that applies to everyone».
Alcohol and smoking instead they are definitely among the major risk factors for bad breathi, for several reasons.
“First of all smoking alters the microbiota of the mouth – explains the expert – and then cIt contains in and of itself those volatile sulfur compounds responsible for the bad smell. But not only that: the smoking promotes hyposalivation and, as we said, if there is little saliva, bacteria proliferate more. It is also known then as i Chronic drinkers often suffer from bad breath: this is because alcohol too promotes hyposalivation. In addition, chronic drinkers experience a process known as alcohol oxidation which takes place in mouth and liverand which generates acetaldehyde and other compounds responsible for the bad smell»
Can mouthwash help?
But be careful: whatever the cause of bad breath, resorting to miraculous mouthwashes is not a solution to the problem.
“It is a false myth to dispel – explains Dr. Austoni. – In fact, mouthwash does not solve bad breath, the mask exactly as the deodorant could do without taking a shower! To solve the problem the cause must be found and eliminated. Sprays, mints and mouthwash can only give the illusion of having a freshened mouth for a while ».
What if the problem isn’t with the mouth?
«Going to your dentist is therefore essential as of now be able to exclude mouth diseases associated with halitosis and, if present, treat them – concludes the dentist. – If the dentist does not find any problems affecting the mouth, the observation is directed to other specialists such as the gastroenterologist. The causes of bad breath can be traced in the digestive system: who suffers from gastroesophageal refluxfor example, also often suffers from bad breath».
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