How Bad Is Your Breath? Can It Be Measured?
According to an article published by Amy
Norton in the Medical Tribune News Service, there is a new device called
the halitosis meter which can effectively measure bad breath. It measures
the level of sulfur in the mouth and a reading appears on the monitor.
In a healthy normal mouth, bacteria exist
to a certain degree. However, when levels of sulfur are high enough, the
result is a foul odor in the mouth. Many patients have a problem with
chronic halitosis. The odor usually comes from the tongue and gums. Sometimes,
this odor originates from mucus secretions of the nose or throat. Some
conditions that can cause halitosis include, gum disease, smoking, mouth
breathing that continuously keeps the mouth dry, dentures, oral infections,
etc.
Patients must control the amounts of bacteria
in their mouths by brushing at least twice daily, flossing and visiting
their dentist on a regular basis.
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