Bad Breath (Halitosis)
Symptoms, Causes, diagnosis, treatment, prevention
Bad breath eventually affects everyone. Breath odor can be a short-term problem or a persistent disease. The American Dental Association estimates that at least half of adults have had halitosis at some point throughout their lives. Bad breath can sometimes be caused by poor dental hygiene but it can also be caused by underlying medical issues like heartburn, dry mouth, or even an illness in another part of the body. The underlying cause of halitosis affects the course of treatment.
What are the symptoms of bad breath?
You can also get an unpleasant taste in your mouth in addition to the unpleasant odor. Even after brushing your teeth and using mouthwash, the taste may persist if it is caused by an underlying problem and not due to food particles that have become stuck in your teeth.
What causes bad breath?
Poor oral hygiene is the most frequent cause of halitosis. Harmful bacteria infect your mouth and grow out of control if you don’t practice good dental hygiene, which includes brushing, flossing, and regular dental cleanings. Gum disease, cavities, and halitosis are just a few of the oral health problems that can result from this.
What other conditions can induce bad breath?
Dry mouth: may be brought on by insufficient salivation. Saliva keeps your mouth clean while masking odors. A dry mouth may be an issue if you have a disease of the salivary glands. Smoking increases your risk of acquiring gum disease and can also cause dry mouth. Sleep with your mouth open or take some drugs, such as those for high blood pressure and urinary issues.
Gum disease: occurs if plaque is not promptly removed from your teeth. As it matures, plaque transforms into tartar. Tartar can cause pockets or microscopic gaps to grow in the region between the gums and teeth. Food, bacteria, and tooth plaque can assemble in the pockets and give off an unpleasant odor. Tartar cannot be removed by brushing, and attempting to do so will hurt your gums.
Having an infection in your throat, nose, or lungs: If you have a sinus infection, postnasal discharge, chronic bronchitis, or an illness in your upper or lower respiratory system, bad breath may develop. Tonsil stones, which have a tendency to accumulate bacteria, can also be the cause of bad breath.
Strong foods and beverages:
When you eat meals with strong flavors, like onions, garlic, or other foods, your stomach absorbs the oils during digestion. These oils travel from your bloodstream to your lungs after entering your body. This means that others may be able to smell your breath for up to 72 hours.
Diseases: Some disorders may have unusual breath odor as a symptom. This involves:
- Diabetes: Because their blood sugar levels are higher, people with diabetes are more likely to develop gum disease.
- Kidney disease or failure / Liver disease or failure: Your liver and kidneys remove toxins from your body when they’re functioning properly. However, these harmful compounds aren’t being eliminated in those with liver or renal problems. Halitosis may arise from this.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD): Is a relatively common cause of halitosis, a digestive ailment known as reflux esophagitis causes stomach acid or fluid to drain back into the esophagus.
- Sjögren’s syndrome: This autoimmune condition can cause dry lips, dry eyes, dry skin, and muscle soreness (which is often linked to halitosis). Is a chronic condition that affects the body’s glands, particularly those that produce saliva and tears, and results in inadequate moisture production.
- Head and neck cancers: Sores that don’t heal, which are linked to bad breath, are symptoms of oral or oropharyngeal cancer (your oropharynx lies between your nose and mouth).
How can I tell if I have bad breath?
If you have a terrible taste in your mouth, you most likely have an odor that others may detect. To be certain, consult with your dentist. If the odor doesn’t seem to be coming from your teeth or mouth, your dentist will advise you to consult your family physician to rule out an underlying disease or condition.
What options are there for treating bad breath?
If bad breath is caused by plaque accumulation, a dental cleaning may help. If you have periodontal disease, a thorough dental cleaning may be required. Treating underlying medical conditions like a sinus infection or kidney disease might also aid in reducing bad breath. If you have a dry mouth, your dentist may advise using an artificial saliva product and drinking lots of water.
How can I prevent halitosis?
The greatest approach to maintaining your breath smelling clean and fresh is to practice good dental hygiene. The following are some general principles:
- Brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes, and floss once a day. Your tongue should be cleaned with a brush or a tongue scraper.
- Utilize a mouthwash that is antibacterial and alcohol-free.
- Visit the dentist frequently for cleanings and examinations. This might occur once every six months for certain people. However, some people might require more frequent visits to maintain good dental health.
- In order to help prevent dry mouth, drink a lot of water.
- Avoid using tobacco, alcohol, or caffeine products as they can induce dry mouth.
- Increase salivation by chewing sugar-free gum or eating wholesome foods that take a lot of chewing. Products that can artificially manufacture saliva or aid in your body producing saliva may be suggested or prescribed by your dentist.
Summary:
Halitosis is a common illness that can make patients feel self-conscious or depressed. Often, it's simply your body's way of warning you that there is a problem. The good news is that getting rid of halitosis usually involves treating the underlying medical condition. Your dentist and primary care physician can work together to establish what is best for you.
