HALITOSIS (BAD BREATH)

In the US, about 50 million people suffer from bad breath, technically called halitosis. The worse is, many people who suffer from this condition remain untreated because they are too embarrassed to seek help.

In most cases, halitosis is caused by oral conditions, such as tooth decay, gum disease, dry mouth and bite issues, but medical diseases outside the mouth can also cause it. The most common medical causes for halitosis include problems in the respiratory and digestive tract. Smoking can also contribute to halitosis.

While everybody experiences transient bad breath every now and again, be it in the morning before toothbrushing or after eating foods with strong smells, it does not require treatment. However, chronic and persistent bad breath needs to be addressed.

 

BAD BITE CAN CAUSE HALITOSIS

Around 90% of all cases of halitosis are caused by poor oral hygiene. Bacteria builds up in our mouths on a daily basis and they need to be removed through toothbrushing and flossing. However, certain conditions can affect our ability to perform adequate oral hygiene.

Bad bite problems, such as crowding, makes oral hygiene difficult. The lack of space between teeth creates areas where bacteria can hide. Consequently, they build-up undisturbed and produce acids that cause decay or toxins that cause gum disease. These bacteria release sulphur and amine compounds that make the breath smell. In addition, crowding also promotes food impaction. Food particles can be broken down and serve as fuel for bacteria.

Mouth breathing can lead to dry mouth and halitosis. Bite problems, such as narrow arches plays an important role in mouth breathing. It results in lack of space for the tongue, which blocks the airway. Narrow arches are associated with narrow nasal cavities, which also promotes mouth breathing by making nose breathing more strenuous. Gum disease and tooth decay can also lead to bad breath, since bacteria can hide from tooth brushing underneath the gums and inside cavities.

 

MEDICAL ORTHODONTICS FOR THE TREATMENT OF HALITOSIS

While bad breath may not sound serious enough to require attention, persistency of this condition can have serious emotional and behavioural consequences, potentially leading to social anxiety and problems in relationships.

If medical causes are excluded and a bad bite is present, it will possibly require orthodontic treatment. By correcting the bite, the primary cause for bacterial accumulation is eliminated and nose breathing is improved. A balanced bite can prevent not only halitosis, but also problems in the jaw joint, headaches, earaches, pain in the head, neck and back areas.

Thus, medical orthodontics can help improve oral health, general health and wellbeing.

 

CAN A BAD BITE BE CORRECTED THROUGH CLEAR ALIGNER THERAPY?

The answer is yes. Actually, many adults and even teenagers prefer to get their smiles and bites fixed through clear aligner therapy.

Through gentle and consistent pressure on the teeth, their alignment and position in the jaws improve gradually. The process is simple and effective, and starts with a digital impression that captures all teeth and jaws in details.

Through 3D printing technology, the aligners are printed to fit perfectly over the teeth. This option is convenient and discrete, allowing for removal during eating, cleaning and special occasions.

Get a better bite, a beautiful smile, fresher breath and improved oral health and wellbeing with clear aligner therapy. Talk to your orthodontist today.