BAD BREATH ( Halitosis )

( Halitosis )
The condition is usually due to bacteria that act on food residues in the mouth. Bad breath is often more embarrassing than harmful, and can easily be prevented with good oral hygiene. However, there may be serious cause of bad breath, such as digestive, kidney, liver, respiratory disorder, sinusitis which may need medical attention. Liver failure gives the breath a mousy odor, kidney failure makes the breath smell like urine, and severe uncontrolled diabetes makes breath smell like nail polish remover.

Symptoms
* Bad breath observed when person exhales or speaks.

Common causes
* Poor oral hygiene. Improper flossing and brushing leave food particles on and in between teeth, under jacket crowns or bridges.
* Morning mouth.
* Gum disease.
* Tooth abscess or decay; build up of plaque.
* Sinusitis.
* Smoking.
* Certain types o food.
* Certain medications.

What you can do
* Brush and floss your teeth thoroughly at least twice a day.
Brush the tongue as well.
* Drink plenty of fluids to wash food particles from the mouth.
* Use a mouthwash or breath freshener.
* Stop smoking.
* Consult a dentist if recomended remedies do not remove unwanted smell.

What your dentist can do for you
* Check you mouth thoroughly or dental decay, gum disease and other oral problems and treat them.
* Refer to a doctor if necessary.

Prevention tips
* Practice good oral hygiene and have dental checkups twice a year. If you wear dentures, be sure to clean them after every meal. Remove the dentures and immerse them in water while sleeping at night.
* Blow a runny nose with the mouth open; otherwise, it may push the infected dischargeinto the sinuses and possibly infect them.
* Avoid smoking.

Baby - TEETHING Problems

Teething Problems
Teething can occur anywhere from 3 months to 3 years of age. The teething period is different from baby to baby. Some babies breeze through without worry, other babies may be clingy, uncomfortable, restless and cranky.

Symptoms
* Increase in drooling.
* An increase tendency to chew things.
* Thumb sucking may become more vigorous.
* Gum rubbing.
* Loss of appetite.

What can you do
* If you are able to try massage your child's gums either with or without piece of ice.
* Allow them to chew on a cold teething ring, ice lollie or a piece of ice wrapped in cloth.
* Use topical local anesthetics or teeth balm to reduce teething pain.
* Paracetamol may be given for a few days to help make them more comfortable but try not to use them long term.
* If your child refuses food to try to give him cold, smooth foods e.g as yoghurt, ice cream or jelly.
* Generally, teething children do not show symptoms f bronchitis, diarrhea, fever, diaper rash, seizures and vomiting. If your child shows any of this signs then you should take him to the doctor.

What your doctor can do for you
* Give you advice on how to cope with the symptoms of teething.
* Prescribe a mild painkiller, such as paracetamol.
* Rule out other causes of discomfort and irritability.