What is Halitosis?
Morning breath is one thing, and chronic bad breath is another. Halitosis, or chronic bad breath, is a common condition. Unfortunately, halitosis is usually a sign that something is going on with your oral health or your overall health. If you have had bad breath for a while and suspect it may be halitosis, it may be a good idea to schedule a visit to your dentist. Your dentist can help by evaluating your oral health, your breath, and determining the best next steps to treating the condition. Below is more information about halitosis and some of the most common causes.
Common Causes of Halitosis
One of the first steps in treating halitosis is identifying the cause. Because the bad odor may be a sign of another health condition, it is important to visit your dentist and get their professional advice. Your dentist can help you identify if you need to see your primary care doctor, or if you just need to focus more on your oral health. Halitosis is often caused by:
- Poor oral hygiene: Cavities, gum disease, and excess plaque (bacteria) buildup in the mouth are all odor-causing conditions. If you have been neglecting your daily oral hygiene you may have an oral health condition that is causing your bad breath. Once identified, your dentist will likely recommend a professional cleaning and other treatment methods to get your oral health back in top form.
- Mouth, nose, and throat infections: Because the mouth, nose, and throat are all connected an infection in one, like a sinus infection, can contribute to bad breath. Excess mucus feeds bacteria in the throat and mouth leading to odor.
- Dry mouth: Excess coffee or alcohol drinking or tobacco use can result in dry mouth or the reduction of saliva production in the mouth. Saliva acts like a natural cleaner in the mouth. Saliva rinses away excess food debris, breaks down food, and prevents cavities and infections. If you don’t have enough saliva, you are likely to have a buildup of bacteria, and therefore an odor.
- Prescription medication use: A common side effect of prescription medication use is dry mouth. If you have been taking medications recently, or are taking a prescription medication regularly, this may be the cause of your halitosis.
Treating Halitosis
In most cases, bad breath is the result of poor oral hygiene and diet (including beverages). Before you worry too much, you can start treating your halitosis by focusing on simple steps to improve your daily oral hygiene. Brush 2 or 3 times a day using a fluoride toothpaste. Add daily flossing to your routine. Cut out high-sugar items from your diet and increase the amount of water you drink. You can also decrease the amount of coffee you are drinking. If you make all of these changes and your bad breath persists, call your dentist and schedule a checkup. Your dentist will evaluate your oral health and breath and help you get started with an appropriate treatment option for you.
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