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What causes bad breath (Halitosis)?
Whether you call it bad breath or halitosis, it can be an unpleasant condition that often causes embarrassment. Some people with bad breath are not aware there is a problem. If you are concerned about bad breath, see your dentist. Your dentist can help identify the cause and if bad breath is due to an oral condition, develop a treatment plan to help eliminate it.
Generally bad breath is caused by strong foods such as onions or garlic; poor oral health habits; or medical problems such as stomach disorders, an excessive postnasal drip, or bacteria in the mouth. Once you discover the source of the problem, there are a number of ways to keep your mouth free of unpleasant odours.
Oral malodour can be divided into two distinctive categories—transitory and chronic. Transitory refers to food-related malodour that can last as long as 72 hours, and virtually everyone suffers from this condition at one time or another. The second category, chronic, is generally related to oral or general medical problems.
There are 3 basic sources of bad breath:
The first is simple: an unclean mouth. Routine cleaning of teeth and gums will help prevent the build up of plaque—a soft, sticky, almost invisible film made up of harmful bacteria. Carefully brushing at least two-to-three times a day, flossing daily, and rinsing your mouth vigorously to remove any loose foods is essential. However, research has found that simply keeping teeth clean is not enough to eliminate oral malodour. Tongue de-plaquing with tongue scrapers— tools exclusively designed for use on the tongue—is as essential for fresh breath as regular brushing. Tongue scrapers provide even pressure that forces bacteria, food debris, and dead cells from the pits and crevices in the tongue that a toothbrush cannot remove.
Second, medical problems can keep breath from smelling fresh. Research studies have found that bad breath has been linked to conditions such as diabetes, stomach disorders, or sinus infections with excessive postnasal drip. Common drugs and medications also can affect breath odour.
Bad breath can also be caused by dry mouth (xerostomia), which occurs when the flow of saliva decreases. Saliva is necessary to cleanse the mouth and remove particles that may cause odour. Dry mouth may be caused by various medications, salivary gland problems or continuously breathing through the mouth. If you suffer from dry mouth, your dentist may prescribe artificial saliva or suggest using sugarless candy and increasing your fluid intake.
Third, lifestyle habits play a major role in the prevention of halitosis. For example, smoking and chewing tobacco can affect breath odour.