Causes and Treatments of Bad Breath

Bad breath, or halitosis, has been an embarrassing issue for many people throughout human history, and may be caused by either poor dental hygiene or some other health problem. Effectively managing bad breath will depend on pinpointing its source, and your dentist can determine what’s wrong and establish an appropriate treatment plan.

Up to 90% of all bad breath cases are thought to originate in the mouth. Common sources include food particles trapped between your teeth and on your tongue’s surface, a buildup of bacterial plaques on your teeth, and advanced gum disease, which left untreated frequently leads to tooth decay and jawbone damage.

Other common causes include strong-smelling foods and flavorings whose odors linger in the mouth such as curry, garlic and certain cheeses, and acidic or alcoholic beverages like coffee and beer may also be factors. Also, the chronic use of tobacco products can contribute to bad breath in addition to staining your teeth and irritating your gums.

Persistent halitosis, however, may signal another type of medical condition such as xerostomia, or dry mouth, in which not enough saliva is present to wash away bacteria and dead cells to help keep the mouth clean. Dry mouth can be caused by insufficient saliva production or continuous mouth-breathing, or it may be a side effect from a medicine.

Other conditions that can cause bad breath include bronchitis, pneumonia, persistent acid reflux, diabetes, and kidney or liver problems, so it is important to be aware of those possibilities and inform your dentist if you are known to suffer from any if them as this may make your diagnosis much easier.

Not brushing your teeth and tongue properly or often enough, especially right after a meal, will promote the growth of odor-causing bacteria inside your mouth that cause bad breath. To minimize or prevent this, brush and floss twice daily to remove food particles and plaque, then rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash. Drinking plenty of water, reducing or quitting smoking, and avoiding suspected foods or excessive alcohol consumption may also help to remedy the issue.

Wearing dentures that don’t fit well or failing to properly clean them each night might be the problem, so be sure to report any denture issues to your dentist. Other dental appliances, such as braces, also tend to trap food particles and cause halitosis, so make sure you thoroughly clean them every day.

If your halitosis is chronic, your mouth will be examined for additional clues. Depending on the cause, you may be prescribed a special toothpaste or mouthwash to reduce the symptoms, artificial saliva for xerostomia, or you might require treatment for gum disease or tooth decay. If your bad breath is determined not to be mouth related, you might have a condition that needs to be diagnosed and treated by your physician.

Untreated halitosis will likely worsen over time, therefore you are encouraged to address the issue with your dentist in case the underlying cause is something very serious.

A Family Dental Care Center: Dr. Seth Rosen

2030 West Main St.

Jeffersonville, PA 19403

drsethrosen.com