Bad Breath Alienates People
Bad breath can discourage friends and ruin your love life! http://www.fairfielddentalassociates.com/blog/bad-breath-alienates-people
Bad Breath Alienates People
Do you find people cringing when you speak to them - up close and personal? Do people on the subway or elevators seem to shrink into their own spaces when you are around? Have you noticed people avoiding you? Are you getting passed up for special events or even promotions? Bad breath may be the culprit!
Bad breath is formally called halitosis or malodor. It plagues about one quarter of our society. Americans spend $10 billion annually on items like mouth wash, breath mints and over-the-counter products that only provide temporary relief for chronic halitosis. It is something no one wants, but occasionally gets. If you have chronic bad breath, you can be sure others will avoid you. That's a lonely proposition.
Dutch behavioral scientists have concluded that bad breath is the most offensive thing another person can encounter. It is as nasty as body odor. It damages psycho-social interactions and intimate relationships. It can even impact how well a person does in the workplace. People keep their distance from people with bad breath. Nearly 90% of 1,082 people surveyed in a recent Netherland study said halitosis was a "strong downer" when meeting another person for the first time. It ranked second to body odor on the offensive scale. Bad breath was commonplace. Almost 90 percent of study participants said they encountered a person with bad breath regularly. Forty percent said they encountered it at least once a week. Men were more likely to have bad breath than women.
Do You Know if You Have Bad Breath?
We have all met someone with extremely bad breath. It is memorable in a very unpleasant way. Everyone has had it at one time or another. This is especially true in the morning when we get up. As crazy as it sounds, a lot of people don't know they have bad breath.
Over-the-counter remedies are just a band-aid. If you have chronic bad breath, you need to speak to a dentist to find a solution that really works. The American Dental Association recommends you make a list of all the foods you eat and medications you take, as these can give you bad breath. The causes of bad breath are many. They include:
Food - Garlic of onions linger much longer than that sandwich or spaghetti you just ate. That is why brushing and flossing daily is important. (Always brush your tongue.) Food particles collect in your mouth, creating bacteria. The metabolites from the bacteria cause bad breath. People on low carb diets like the Atkins Diet can also experience bad breath.
Gum Disease – Persistent bad breath is one of the warning signs of periodontal disease. This begins with plaque on your teeth.
Dry Mouth – Saliva has an anti-microbial quality and cleans our mouths. People with dry mouth or decreased saliva can have bad breath. This can be caused by salivary gland problems, certain medications or mouth-breathing. A dentist can prescribe medications to increase saliva.
Smoking – Tobacco causes bad breath and can irritate gum tissues.
Medical Conditions – Certain diseases like chronic sinus or lung infections, bronchitis, diabetes, and kidney disease can cause bad breath. People with gastrointestinal issues can also have bad breath.
Only Your Dentist Has a Cure
The only real way to head off and cure halitosis is to consult your dentist. He/she can find the source of your problem just by looking. There are mouth rinses and medications that can assist you in warding off that anti-social odor. Your dentist can educate you on certain foods and proper ways to brush and floss to get rid of bad breath once and for all. Fairfield Dental Associates are experts in helping patients deal with halitosis and other oral health issues. We believe everyone should have a beautiful smile they aren't afraid to use. Contact our office to get started on a lifetime of healthy, odor-free smiles.
Topics: bad teeth and chronic disease, halitosis, malodor, oral health, bad breath
Become a Community Contributor.
