What is Halitosis?
Bad breath happens often. If you have experienced bad breath on a date, during a job interview or just being with your friends, you are not alone. Research studies have shown that 50 percent of adults have had bad breath, or halitosis, at some point in their lives.
Halitosis is the medical term used for bad breath. Everyone may get bad breath from time to time, especially after consuming some garlic, onions, or other foods of this nature. But if your bad breath that will not go away, which is chronic halitosis, it could mean you might have an oral health issue or something that is more serious.
Halitosis is a sign or symptom of a variety of different conditions. It can be a warning message from your body. Finding the source of your halitosis is the first step in treating the primary issue.
What Causes Bad Breath?
There are a number of reasons you could have bad breath. Many reasons are harmless, but bad breath can actually be a sign of something more serious.
- Bacteria- Bad breath can happen naturally from the hundreds of types of bad breath-causing bacteria that are found in your mouth every day. Your mouth naturally needs to allow these bacteria to grow. When you eat, bacteria will actually feed on any food particles left in your mouth and then leave a foul-smelling waste product behind.
- Dry Mouth- Your mouth might not be producing enough saliva. Saliva is crucial because it works around the clock to continually wash your mouth. If you do not have enough saliva, then your mouth is not being cleaned as it should be. A dry mouth can be the result of certain medications, salivary gland problems, or by breathing through your mouth.
- Gum Disease- Bad breath that is persistent and will not go away might be a warning sign of gum disease, which is caused by a sticky, bacteria called plaque.
- Food- Garlic, onions, coffee, etc. This list of breath-offending foods could be long, and what you eat will affect your breath.
- Smoking and Tobacco- Smoking stains your teeth, gives you bad breath and also puts you at risk for a variety of health problems. Tobacco reduces your ability to taste foods and irritates gum tissues as well. Tobacco users often suffer from gum disease. Smoking affects your sense of smell, so if you smoke you may not be aware of your halitosis.
- Medical Conditions- Mouth infections might cause your bad breath. If your dental team has ruled out other causes and you do indeed brush and floss every day, your bad breath could be the result of a medical problem, like a sinus condition, diabetes, gastric reflux, liver, or kidney disease. If this is the case, see your dentist or doctor.
Treating Halitosis
Successful halitosis treatment depends on the primary cause. If your bad breath is from your poor oral hygiene, then a professional dental cleaning and your improved oral hygiene practices at home will help.
If your halitosis is a sign or symptom of another condition in your body, your family doctor will help you with a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Your dentist could also recommend special mouth rinses to combat some specific bacteria in your mouth.