Halitosis

Halitosis

 

What is Halitosis?

Halitosis is the clinical term used to describe bad breath. Halitosis can result from a variety of causes, but most commonly improper oral hygiene.

What Causes Bad Breath?

Some of the most common causes of bad breath are listed below. If you suffer from consistent bad breath, also known as halitosis, 

  • Food. When food particles of any kind remain in your mouth, they collect bacteria and contribute to bad breath. Brushing and flossing are easy ways to prevent food buildup. 

  • Gum disease. Continual bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth can be a warning sign of gum disease.

  • Dry mouth. Saliva naturally breaks down food. Without an ample amount of saliva in your mouth, food particles build up and can cause bad breath. Dry mouth can be caused by salivary gland dysfunction resulting from certain medications, diabetes, or repeated breathing through your mouth, neck radiations, etc. 

  • Smoking and tobacco use. In addition to staining your teeth and being detrimental to your health, cigarettes, cigars, pipes and chewing tobacco can cause bad breath.

  • Medical conditions. Sinus and lung infections or kidney and liver disease can cause bad breath.  

How to Get Rid of Bad Breath

  • Although antiseptic mouthwash and chewing gum may be short-term fixes to bad breath for the intra oral causes, the only way to keep bad breath away consistently is by brushing twice a day and flossing at least once a day. 

  • You should also visit your dentist twice a year for thorough cleanings and examinations. The combination of excellent personal and professional care will reduce plaque build-up on your teeth that causes bad breath.

  • Identifying and management of underlying systemic conditions is important to get rid of the extra oral causes of bad breath.