Having a peculiar taste in the mouth is a problem for many elderly people. Some people feel that they do not pay attention to oral hygiene, some people think that they have eaten some irritating food, and some people think that there is something wrong with their body.
In fact, there may be more than one reason for the smell in the mouth. The doctor reminds that the elderly generally can't escape the following 4 reasons for bad mouths.
Bad breath is not simple
For a long time, it was widely believed that bad breath was mainly caused by poor oral hygiene, the intake of certain foods, or certain diseases.
However, a study published in the journal Nature Genetics offers us a new perspective: bad breath may be related to genetic mutations.
1. Genes
In the course of their study, the scientists found mutations in the SELENBP1 gene (the gene encoding selenobindin 1) in people who suffered from bad breath.
This mutation causes the patient's blood to have higher levels of volatile sulfides, such as methyl mercaptan, which in turn produces bad breath. This discovery reveals a possible biological mechanism behind bad breath, which is the abnormal metabolism of methyl mercaptan caused by mutations in SELENBP1 genes.
Methyl mercaptan is a sulfur-containing organic compound with a strong unpleasant odor and is often considered one of the main components of bad breath.
Under normal conditions, selenium-binding protein 1 is able to help convert methyl mercaptan into other, less active compounds, thereby reducing its accumulation in the body and odor production.
However, when mutations occur in SELENBP1 genes, this conversion process is blocked, resulting in the accumulation of methyl mercaptan and other volatile sulfides such as dimethyl sulfide in the blood.
Research further explains how these volatile sulfides contribute to bad breath. As blood flows through the lungs, odorous sulfides such as methyl mercaptan leave the bloodstream, diffuse into the lungs, and are excreted with breathing. This process leads to the production of bad breath.
This research not only increases our understanding of the causes of bad breath, but also provides a new direction for the diagnosis and treatment of bad breath.
Identifying SELENBP1 genetic mutations as a potential cause of bad breath may lead to the development of targeted treatments in the future, such as through gene therapy or the development of drugs that promote methyl mercaptan conversion.
Notably, this study also highlights a major trend in modern medical research to explore the root causes of diseases from superficial symptoms down to the molecular and genetic levels.
2. Three types
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), about 90% of dentists have seen patients seeking treatment for bad breath, and nearly 50% of dentists see more than six patients per week.
In addition, sensory analysis of 2,000 Chinese aged 15 to 64 showed that the prevalence of bad breath was 27.5%. These data reveal the prevalence of bad breath in adults and its impact on oral health.
Bad breath can be divided into three types: true halitosis, pseudohalitosis, and halitosis phobia. Understanding these classifications helps us identify and treat bad breath more accurately.
True halitosis is the actual halitosis, which can be further subdivided into physiological halitosis and pathological halitosis. Physiological halitosis is usually a temporary occurrence of bad breath due to natural processes within the mouth, such as the breakdown of food debris, and it is usually not a sign of a health problem.
In contrast, pathological halitosis can be a sign of a more serious health problem, and it is further divided into two types: oral and non-oral origin.
Orogenic halitosis is caused by problems inside the mouth, such as gum disease or tooth decay, while non-oral halitosis can stem from problems within the body, such as digestive disorders.
Pseudohalitosis is when an individual mistakenly believes that they have bad breath but does not actually have the problem. This type of bad breath is more related to the psychological state and requires professional counseling and support.
Halitosis phobia is an extreme case in which people have persistent concerns about their bad breath, which can have a serious impact on their social life and mental health, even though they have been tested to be unpresent.
For the treatment of true halitosis, it is first necessary to diagnose the specific type. In the case of oral source bad breath, improving oral hygiene, cleaning teeth regularly, treating gum disease and dental problems can often be effective.
Non-oral bad breath requires further medical testing to determine the underlying cause, which may involve more extensive health screening and treatment.
By understanding the different types of bad breath and their causes, we can diagnose and treat bad breath more effectively, thereby improving quality of life.
3. High prevalence
A study published in the journal BMC Oral Health provides us with important insights into the prevalence of bad breath in Chinese and its associated factors.
According to the study, the prevalence of bad breath is as high as 65.9%, a data that reveals the prevalence of bad breath and its potential impact on public health.
The investigators used a comprehensive approach to assess halitosis, including questionnaires, sensory testing, and the use of volatile sulfide monitors.
This multi-angle approach to assessment helps to more accurately identify the presence and severity of bad breath. Studies have shown that the occurrence of halitosis is related to a variety of factors, including gender, rhinitis, tongue coating and periodontal condition.
Gender, as a factor influencing bad breath, may be related to differences in physiology and lifestyle. Studies have pointed out that rhinitis is also an important correlated factor for bad breath, which may be due to the dry mouth of people with rhinitis when they breathe, which leads to bacterial growth, which can lead to bad breath.
In addition, the thickness and texture of the tongue coating have also been shown to be associated with bad breath, and the thicker the tongue coating, the more bacteria and food debris accumulate, and the worse the bad breath problem.
Periodontal condition is another important factor affecting bad breath. Poor periodontal health, such as gingivitis or periodontitis, can lead to bleeding and inflammation of the gums, which are direct sources of bad breath.
Therefore, maintaining good periodontal health is not only essential for oral health, but also key to preventing bad breath.
For individuals, maintaining good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing their teeth twice a day, flossing between their teeth, and cleaning their teeth regularly, are essential measures to prevent bad breath. At the same time, timely treatment of health problems such as rhinitis and periodontal disease should not be neglected.
The study also serves as a reminder to medical professionals about the need to take these factors into account when diagnosing and treating bad breath. By assessing the patient's oral hygiene, periodontal health, rhinitis, lifestyle and other factors, medical professionals can provide patients with a more personalized and effective treatment plan.
When I got older
As we age, the body's systems gradually show signs of aging, and these changes not only affect physical health, but can also lead to some uncomfortable problems such as bad breath.
1. Dental and periodontal problems
As we age, teeth are prone to caries, stubs, and loss, while periodontal tissues are also prone to inflammation, atrophy, loosening, and other problems.
These dental and periodontal problems not only lead to impaired chewing function, but also allow food debris and bacteria to grow in the mouth, producing odorous substances such as volatile sulfides, which can cause bad breath.
2. Problems with the digestive system
As we age, the digestive function of the elderly tends to decline, the peristalsis of the gastrointestinal tract slows down, and the secretion of gastric acid decreases, resulting in food that cannot be digested and absorbed in a timely manner.
This will not only cause problems such as flatulence and constipation, but also lead to the fermentation of organic matter in the gastrointestinal tract, producing odorous substances such as ammonia and hydrogen sulfide, which are excreted in the mouth through gastroesophageal reflux or respiratory tract, becoming a source of bad breath.
3. Endocrine and metabolic problems
The endocrine system of the elderly is often dysregulated, and the hormone level is unbalanced, which may lead to abnormalities in blood sugar, blood lipids, blood pressure, etc., affecting the body's metabolic function.
These metabolic problems can cause toxins and waste products in the body to not be excreted in time, accumulate in the blood and tissues, and emit odors through the respiratory tract or skin, thus causing bad breath.
4. Respiratory tract infection
Respiratory diseases such as sinusitis, tonsillitis, and bronchitis can lead to increased inflammation and secretions in the nasal cavity, throat, trachea, etc., breeding bacteria and causing bad breath.
For the problem of bad breath in the elderly, it is crucial to take appropriate preventive and therapeutic measures.
Tackling bad breath is not a difficult task, but it requires addressing all aspects of daily life, including oral hygiene, eating habits, physical health, and lifestyle adjustments
To prevent and improve bad breath, it is recommended that you take the following measures
1. Good oral hygiene
Brushing your teeth every morning and evening, flossing and mouthwash to clean between your teeth and gums can effectively remove food debris and bacteria and reduce odorous substances in your mouth.
Regular dental check-ups and scalings in the hospital to treat teeth and periodontal problems in a timely manner are also important measures to maintain oral health and prevent bad breath.
2. Pay attention to eating habits
Eat less spicy, greasy, fishy and other irritating foods, which not only irritate the mucous membranes of the mouth and digestive tract, but may also aggravate bad breath.
On the contrary, eating plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits, fiber-rich foods will not only help keep your stools smooth and avoid flatulence, but also promote oral cleanliness. In addition, proper consumption of tea or water can also help freshen breath and promote good health.
3. Regulate endocrine and metabolism
Control blood sugar, blood lipids, blood pressure and other indicators to avoid the occurrence of diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and other diseases. Drinking plenty of water and exercising more can not only promote metabolism in the body, eliminate toxins and wastes, but also help maintain the balance of endocrine and metabolism and reduce the production of bad breath.
4. Quit smoking and limit alcohol
Both tobacco and alcohol can irritate the mucous membranes of the mouth and digestive tract, increasing the risk of bad breath. At the same time, the consumption of tobacco and alcohol can also affect the balance of endocrine and metabolism, which is harmful to physical health.
Therefore, quitting smoking and limiting alcohol can not only help improve bad breath, but also improve overall health.
By maintaining good oral hygiene, paying attention to eating habits, maintaining good physical health, and quitting smoking and limiting alcohol, we can not only effectively improve bad breath, but also promote good health and enjoy a higher quality of life.