Bad breath, or halitosis, can be extremely embarrassing. There are many potential causes, including gum disease, dry mouth, and poor oral hygiene. If the underlying cause is gum disease, it can be treated. If it’s not, there are a few things you can do at home to freshen your breath.

What is Halitosis?

Halitosis, also known as bad breath, is an unpleasant odor coming from the mouth. While you may have the occasional case of morning breath that goes away after brushing and drinking water, chronic bad breath could be a sign of some more serious oral health issues. In this case, it’s best to see a dentist to get evaluated for any possible reasons bad odors are coming from your mouth.

The most common cause of bad breath is poor oral hygiene habits. If you don’t brush and floss your teeth daily, food particles can build up in your mouth and cause bacteria to accumulate as well. These bacteria produce a foul-smelling sulfur gas as a byproduct of their digestion process.

If your mouth is healthy but you still have a case of bad breath, your urine or feces may be to blame. Some foods can produce gasses as they break down in your gut that are carried to your lungs through the bloodstream and are exhaled out of your mouth. Sometimes, you may not even realize you’re having digestive issues, so it’s important to be aware of the foods you eat and how they affect your body’s functions.

So what can you do to get rid of bad breath if it’s not caused by poor oral hygiene? First, stop the problem before it starts by practicing better hygiene. Brushing and flossing at least twice a day, rinsing with mouthwash, and using an oral irrigator are all great ways to keep plaque from building up and causing foul smells. If you have persistent issues with offensive breath despite taking these steps, schedule a visit with us and we’ll take a deeper look and address your specific concerns!

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What causes bad breath?

Bad breath, known clinically as halitosis, can be caused by a variety of factors. The most common cause of chronic bad breath is poor oral hygiene. If plaque and tartar are allowed to build up on the surface of your teeth, bacteria can grow there and produce an unpleasant odor that’s impossible to hide.

Other common causes of bad breath include:

* Dry mouth caused by certain medications or medical conditions.

* A diet rich in garlic, onions, and other pungent foods.

* Smoking or chewing tobacco.

* Poor dental hygiene practices.

* Certain health conditions such as diabetes, sinus problems, yeast infections, acid reflux, liver disease, or other issues that result in poor oral health.

* Hormonal changes throughout life, especially during pregnancy or menopause.

If you have chronic bad breath, it’s important to see your dentist as soon as possible so the cause can be found and treated. Depending on the cause, your dentist may recommend a special mouthwash, toothpaste, or other product that will solve the problem. Sometimes the solution is as simple as improving your home dental care routine!

Dr. Kara Scott is a board-certified dentist who provides comprehensive family dentistry to patients of all ages in Alpharetta and the surrounding areas. She can be reached for more information through her website.

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Treating Halitosis with daily care

If you suffer from chronic bad breath, and your oral hygiene habits are on point, then you should see your dentist for a professional cleaning and exam. Your dentist may recommend certain lifestyle changes like eating less sugary foods and drinking more water throughout the day. If you are a smoker, quitting smoking may help improve your breath as well.

If your dentist determines that your mouth is healthy and clean, but you still suffer from bad breath, he may refer you to a specialist called a periodontist. A periodontist specializes in the treatment of gum disease. Gum disease is the leading cause of chronic bad breath. Periodontists are trained to treat the disease both above and below the gum line. In some cases, they may recommend periodontal surgery to improve the health of the mouth. After the gums are fixed, the patient should experience a significant decrease in oral odor.

In addition to treating the cause of the bad breath, patients may benefit from a consultation with their doctor regarding any medications they may be taking. Some medications can cause dry mouth. Dry mouth can lead to bacteria overgrowth in the mouth and eventually lead to bad breath. Talk to your doctor about switching medications if necessary.

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Author Bio

Dr. Travis Rottman is a general and restorative dentist who practices at Highland Advanced Dental Care in Omaha, NE. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry in Lincoln, NE and completed his general practice residency at Iowa Methodist Hospital in Des Moines, IA. Dr. Rottman is dedicated to providing his patients with the best that dentistry has to offer. He takes pride in offering comprehensive dental care that gives each patient a healthy smile they are proud to show off. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife and three boys. To learn more about his practice, he can be contacted through his website.

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