What is Halitosis?
Halitosis, which is also referred to as chronic bad breath, is a condition that is not improved through the use of mints, mouthwash or a good oral hygiene. Contrary to “morning breath”, a condition which many people experience in the morning or a bad odor in the mouth after eating onions, halitosis is continuous and may be a sign of a more serious health issue.
Causes of Halitosis
In the event that at-home bad breath remedies only temporarily cover up your bad breath, something else may be the culprit. Some of the most common causes for halitosis include:
- Dental Issues: Cavities and deep pockets which are created from gum disease, can provide a collection site for bad breath-causing bacteria. These locations can also be difficult to clean when you brush or floss your teeth. Cavities and deep pockets are both contributors of halitosis.
- Infections: Sinus, nose and throat issues can lead to a postnasal drip which can contribute to bad breath. Bacteria feeds on this mucus that your body produces when it is battling an infection.
- Dry Mouth: Saliva is a critical aspect of good oral health and aids in the prevention of bad breath. Saliva rinses and removes unwanted remnants from the mouth, helps break down food particles when you eat and provides disease-fighting substances which aid in preventing cavities and infections. Patients who do not produce a sufficient amount of saliva, may suffer from halitosis. Medications, certain medical conditions, alcohol, tobacco or excessive caffeine consumption can all cause a dry mouth.
- Tobacco Use: Tobacco products are harmful to both your body and breath. They leave a foul odor on your breath, but can also cause dryness in the mouth. Smokers are also more likely to develop gum disease, which can also be a common cause for halitosis.
- Other Chronic Conditions: While halitosis is most often linked to something happening in your mouth, it can also be a sign of other health issues including diabetes, gastric reflux, liver or kidney disease.
If you notice you have bad breath, be sure to start practicing simple steps at home. This should include a good dental routine of brushing twice every day and regular flossing. Other solutions, such as drinking water, chewing sugar-free gum and reducing the amount of caffeine you consume, may also aid in improving the smell of your breath.
If continue to have bad breath, schedule an appointment with your dentist. The dentist can help determine the cause of your bad breath and work with you to find a permanent solution. Through a professional cleaning and exam, your dentist can quickly identify any oral health problems. They can also advise you on what your next steps should be to treat bad breath.
The treatment for bad breath is greatly dependent on the underlying cause. Initial treatment efforts can include solutions like cleaning the tongue, use of mouthwash or antibacterial toothpaste and flossing. While there is some evidence of patients showing an improvement from the use of a tongue cleaner, it not sufficient enough to draw substantial conclusions. It is also important to treat any underlying disease which may include gum disease, tooth decay or gastroesophageal reflux disease in order to properly address the cause of bad breath.
Bad breath effects an large percentage of the population. It is the third most common reason people seek dental care from a professional following tooth decay and gum disease. Bad breath is usually more prevalent as people grow older. In the United States, people spend more than $1 billion each year on mouthwash to help treat and prevent bad breath.
More on Halitosis : How Do I Get Rid Of Halitosis?