Bad breath happens quite often. If you have had bad breath while on a date, during an interview, or simply being with family or friends, you are certainly not alone. Research studies have shown that half of all adults have encountered bad breath, or halitosis, at some time in their lives.
Halitosis is the medical term for bad breath. You could get bad breath every so often, especially after enjoying garlic, onions, or food of this nature. But if your bad breath persists, which is now chronic halitosis, it can mean you may have an oral health issue or a concern that is serious.
Halitosis can be a simple sign of several different conditions. It can be a warning message from your body. Identifying the primary source of your halitosis is the first step in treatment.
What Causes Halitosis?
There can be an assortment of reasons you have bad breath. Many reasons are harmless, but bad breath can still be a sign of something more serious.
- Bacteria- Bad breath occurs naturally from the bad breath-causing bacteria found in your mouth every day. Your mouth naturally allows these bacteria. While you eat, bacteria will thrive on any food particles remaining in your mouth, leaving a foul smell behind.
- Dry Mouth- Your mouth might not be producing enough saliva. Saliva is crucial because it works continuously to wash your mouth. If you do not produce enough saliva, your mouth is not being cleaned properly. A dry mouth could be the result of medication, salivary gland problems, or simply breathing through your mouth.
- Gum Disease- Bad breath which is persistent and will not go away could be a warning sign of gum disease, which is the result of sticky bacteria carrying plaque on your teeth.
- Food- Garlic, onions, coffee, etc. Your list of breath-offending foods could be long, and what you eat will affect your breath.
- Smoking and Tobacco- Smoking stains your teeth, giving you bad breath, and increases your risk of other health problems. Tobacco will also reduce your natural ability to taste foods and irritate your gum tissues as well. Tobacco users frequently suffer from gum disease. Smoking will also affect your sense of smell, so if you do smoke, you may not be aware of your halitosis.
- Medical Conditions- Mouth infections can easily cause bad breath. If your dental team has eliminated common oral sources and you do brush and floss every day, your bad breath could be from a medical problem, like a sinus condition, diabetes, gastric reflux, liver disease, or kidney disease. If this is your situation, see your dentist or your doctor promptly.
Treating Halitosis
Successful treatments for halitosis will depend on the primary cause. If your bad breath is simply the result of your poor oral hygiene, then a simple professional dental cleaning at your dental office complimented by your improved oral hygiene at home, will certainly help.
If your halitosis is a sign of another condition in your body, your physician can help you with both a proper diagnosis and the appropriate treatment.
Your dentist might also recommend a special mouth rinse to combat specific bacteria in your mouth.