Bad breath

What is Halitosis?
Bad breath, medically known as Halitosis, is an unpleasant odor coming from the mouth.

While store shelves are full of mints and gum, these are only temporary fixes. Chronic bad breath is often a sign of bacteria buildup, gum disease, or dry mouth.

Symptoms

The main symptom is the odor itself. Since it is difficult to smell your own breath, ask a close friend or relative for an honest opinion. Other signs include:

• A persistent bad taste in the mouth.
• Dry mouth.
• A white coating on the tongue.

Causes

Most bad breath starts in your mouth. Common culprits include:

1. Poor Dental Hygiene

If you don't brush and floss daily, food particles remain in your mouth. Bacteria break down this food, releasing foul-smelling gas. A sticky film called plaque can also irritate gums (gingivitis).

2. Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)

[Image of salivary glands]

Saliva is nature's mouthwash. It washes away food particles. Dry mouth naturally occurs during sleep ("morning breath"), but chronic dry mouth can be caused by medications or gland issues.

3. Food & Tobacco

• Foods: Onions, garlic, and spices enter your bloodstream after digestion and are carried to your lungs, affecting your breath.
• Tobacco: Smoking causes its own unpleasant odor and increases the risk of gum disease.

4. Infections & Conditions

• Tonsil Stones: Small stones covered in bacteria that form in the tonsils.
• GERD: Chronic reflux of stomach acid.
• Sinus Infections: Postnasal drip can cause bad breath.

Complications

⚠️ WARNING: UNDERLYING DISEASE
If dental hygiene doesn't fix the problem, bad breath can be a sign of a serious condition:

• Fruity smell: Could indicate uncontrolled Diabetes (Ketoacidosis).
• Fishy smell: Could indicate Kidney failure.

Diagnosis

Your dentist will rate the odor from both your mouth and nose. Because the back of the tongue is a common source of smell, they may scrape it to test the odor.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause. If it's simply oral health, your dentist will recommend:

1. Dental Hygiene

• Brush & Floss: Twice a day to remove food and plaque.
• Scrape Your Tongue: The tongue harbors odor-causing bacteria.
• Clean Dentures: Clean them thoroughly at least once a day.

2. Mouth Rinses

Dentists may recommend antiseptic mouthwashes containing Chlorhexidine or Cetylpyridinium Chloride to kill bacteria, rather than just masking the smell.

3. Treat Gum Disease

If you have deep pockets of bacteria around your teeth (periodontitis), professional deep cleaning may be required.

Disclaimer: The content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician regarding any medical condition.