Last Updated on November 8, 2022 by Shabnam Sengupta
Halitosis or oral malodour is an unpleasant odour of the mouth that mints, mouthwash or a good brushing can’t solve. It stays for an extended time and may signify something more serious. It is a result of the accumulation of bacteria in the mouth. The microbes present in the mouth act on sulphur-containing proteinaceous substrates, which is present in the plaque and food debris. It leads to the production of volatile sulphur compounds, which cause halitosis.
What are the causes of Halitosis?
Yes. The cause of bad breath or halitosis can be systemic or local. The most common cause of oral malodour is dry mouth, inadequate oral hygiene maintenance, tongue coat, unclean dentures, and plaque accumulation, leading to increased bacterial load. However, one of the causes can even be a dental cavity. Usually, if the cavity is too small, it is less likely to cause halitosis. But, if the cavity has led to the development of an abscess, it will probably cause halitosis.
Do cavities affect your breath?
Yes. The cause of oral malodour is the decay of food particles that are not removed from the mouth by brushing and flossing. The cavities are small holes in the teeth where the bacteria accumulates and decays the enamel. The cavities can give the bacteria extra places to hide in the mouth, making removing them difficult despite brushing or cleaning. Bacteria survive on the food or sugars that may be left in the mouth after eating or drinking, which form acids that eat away the tooth surface. The more prolonged bacteria and acids are in contact with your tooth, the higher the risk for tooth decay and the more likely a cavity will form. This can contribute to halitosis, even though it does not directly cause bad breath.
If a person is suffering from halitosis, it does not mean that they definitely have a cavity, but it’s a possibility. One must visit a dentist if one suspects a cavity or is experiencing tooth sensitivity or pain.
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