Halitosis Causes Symptoms Diagnosis and Treatment
Halitosis is a term for an unpleasant bad smell in your breath or mouth. It can also be a sign of underlying health problems like gastrointestinal, throat or chest infections.
Most people have stinky breath at some time, such as after a garlicky meal or in the morning on waking. But chronic bad breath is a serious problem and can be distressing.
Most cases of bad breath are caused by poor oral health. Food particles that aren't brushed away build up on teeth and gums where bacteria grow and produce smelly sulfur compounds. In addition, unclean dentures can also cause halitosis. People with halitosis should brush their teeth at least twice each day and floss daily. They should also use an alcohol-free mouthwash and clean their tongues with a toothbrush or tongue scraper on a regular basis.
Other causes of halitosis include certain foods like onions, garlic or spices; coffee; tobacco; and alcohol. In some cases, halitosis is only temporary and is due to an illness or infection in the nose, throat or sinuses. Certain medications such as nitrates used to treat angina and some antidepressants can contribute to halitosis by decreasing saliva production. An autoimmune disease called Sjogren's syndrome can also lead to dry mouth and halitosis.
Rather than hiding halitosis with breath mints or chewing gum, patients should visit a dentist and hygienist for a complete exam to determine the cause of their halitosis. If a dental problem isn't to blame, a doctor can perform various tests to see if another medical condition is causing it.
Everyone has bad breath from time to time -- especially after eating garlic, onions or other strong foods. But when it is chronic, you should see your dentist or doctor. They may perform a mouth exam and smell your breath to determine whether or not you have halitosis. They can also use a tongue scraper or dental floss to remove food particles from in-between teeth. They will likely ask about your lifestyle and any medications you're taking, as well as what you eat and drink.
A few medical conditions can cause halitosis, including a low blood supply to the gums (periodontitis), stomatitis, and a lack of saliva production (xerostomia). Some gastrointestinal diseases, such as GERD, or Zenker's diverticulum, can contribute to bad breath if acid from the stomach backs up into the esophagus. And some liver and kidney disorders, such as advanced liver disease or renal failure, can contribute to unpleasant odors. People who are very self-conscious about their bad breath often develop a fear of having it ("pseudo-halitosis"). They may obsessively clean their mouth and/or use chewing gum or breath mints to disguise the odor.
People often don't know if their breath smells bad, and they may feel too shy to ask another person. A good way to find out is to use a home testing kit available at chemists. The test works by putting a small amount of saliva in a tube and then incubating it. The odors produced are then measured and reported.
If an oral health problem is to blame, a dentist or dental hygienist can treat the issue. Brushing and flossing twice a day, cleaning the tongue with a plastic tongue cleaner or brush, and using mouthwash like LISTERINE(r) can help improve halitosis.
Mild, transient halitosis is usually caused by the release of volatile odorous compounds from bacteria colonizing oral surfaces. Other causes include certain foods and drinks such as garlic, onion or spices, smoking, drinking alcoholic beverages or coffee, and systemic diseases such as liver disease or hepatitis. A doctor can also diagnose halitosis by asking lifestyle questions and performing a physical exam and tests.
Bad breath can have a negative impact on your social life, so it is important to treat the condition. Gum disease, a poor diet, certain foods, and medications can all cause halitosis. A visit to a Boardman, OH dentist can help you identify the cause of your bad breath and find a treatment plan.
Brushing your teeth regularly and using a tongue scraper can help reduce bad breath. Flossing can also remove food debris and bacteria that may be causing halitosis. You should also drink plenty of water and avoid consuming foods that produce strong odors, such as onions and garlic. In addition, you should also quit smoking and chewing tobacco, and reduce alcohol consumption. Certain diseases, such as hepatitis and leukemia, can also cause bad breath. A ninhydrin test can be used to determine if these diseases are causing your halitosis. Identifying and treating the underlying problem will cure your halitosis. Treatment should not aim to eradicate all bacteria since eradication can damage the oral mucosa and lead to taste impairments.
Learn more about Halitosis : Bad Breath.