What is
halitosis?
Halitosis is
an oral health condition characterized by consistently
odorous breath. Often identifying the cause of bad breath
is the first step toward treating this preventable
condition.What
causes bad breath?
There are
just as many causes of bad breath as there are sources of
bacteria in the mouth. Halitosis may be caused by the
following:
- certain foods
The things you
eat contribute
largely to your oral health care, including your
breath. Items such as garlic and onions, or any
food, are absorbed into the bloodstream, become
transferred into the lungs, and become expelled
in the air you breathe. Until that food becomes
eliminated by the body, the potential for it
affecting a person's breath is present.
- poor oral health care
Without proper and consistent brushing and
flossing, and routine examinations by your
dentist, food remains in the mouth, which is a
breeding ground for bacteria, which, in turn,
causes odorous breath. Food that is allowed to
collect on the teeth, gums, and tongue may cause
the gums to rot, which causes an unpleasant odor
and taste in the mouth.
- improper
cleaning of dentures
Dentures that are not cleaned properly may be
collecting bacteria and remaining food particles
which cause bad breath.
- periodontal
disease
One of the primary symptoms of this gum disease
is foul, odorous breath, and an unpleasant taste
in the mouth. This condition requires immediate
care by an oral health professional.
- xerostomia
(dry mouth)
This condition is often a large contributor to
halitosis. Characterized by a significant
decrease in saliva production, the mouth is
unable to cleanse itself and remove debris and
particles left behind by food. Xerostomia may be
caused by certain medications, a salivary gland
disorder, or by continuously breathing through
the mouth, instead of the nose.
- tobacco
products
Not only do tobacco products such as cigarettes,
cigars, smokeless tobacco, and snuff stain the
teeth and put the body at risk for a host of
diseases, they also contribute to bad breath.
Tobacco users also are at an increased risk for
the following:
- periodontal
disease
- a loss of
taste abilities
- irritated
gums
- a medical
condition
Bad breath may be an indicator or symptom of any
of the following conditions. However, each
individual may experience symptoms differently.
Consult your physician for a diagnosis:
- a respiratory
infection
- infection
of the nose, windpipe, or lungs
- chronic
bronchitis
- postnasal
drip
- chronic
sinusitis
- diabetes
- a
gastrointestinal disorder
- a liver or
kidney disorder
Treatment for
halitosis:
Specific
treatment for halitosis will be determined by your
physician or dentist based on:
- the health of your
mouth
- the cause or origin
of the condition
- extent of the
condition
- your tolerance for
specific medications, procedures, or therapies
- your opinion or
preference
Treatment primarily
depends on the cause of the condition, including:
Cause |
Possible
Treatment Protocol |
poor oral health
care |
If
the bad breath is of oral origin (improper oral
health care), in most cases, your dentist will
treat the cause of the problem. |
gum disease |
If
the cause of the halitosis is caused by an
underlying gum disease, the condition may be
treated by your dentist, or you may be referred
to a oral specialist -- in most cases, a
periodontist. A periodontal cleaning often helps
to remove the bacterial and plague that has
accumulated and is wearing down the gumline. |
extensive plaque
build-up |
Your
dentist or periodontist may recommend an
antimicrobial mouthrinse (a therapeutic
mouthrinse). Also, you may be instructed to brush
your tongue gently each time you brush your
teeth, to remove excess plaque and bacteria. |
|