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