What is Halitosis?

Halitosis has many other familiar names like bad breath, oral malodor, and “morning breath.” It is common in most adults, and the cause of this can range from a lack of proper oral hygiene to more pressing health issues.

What Causes Halitosis?

  1. Dry mouth: This can occur when your saliva glands aren’t producing enough saliva to help clean your mouth of any bacterial buildup. The Causes of dry mouth can range from:
  2. Snoring
  3. Smoking
  4. Drinking coffee or liquor
  5. Eating sweets or flavor-potent foods
  6. Gum Disease: Most prone to those who smoke habitually. It can also be caused by a lack of oral hygiene when cleaning the gums properly.
  7. Medical conditions:
  8. People with diabetes have a severe complication with the overproduction of ketones in their bloodstream.
  9. Liver failure can lead to dehydration, which can lead to bad breath.
  10. In some cases, bad breath can also be linked to signs of stomach cancers or other conditions as well.

How Can I Treat Halitosis?

It is important to practice constant and correct cleaning routines for the mouth and teeth to help avoid any issues. Depending on the causes of bad breath, the treatment can vary. If it is possible that the issue may reside in another health concern, then your dentist may refer you to see your primary healthcare specialist or a professional.

  1. Toothpaste or mouth rinses: Your dentist may recommend that you use a mouth rinse or a special toothpaste to kill the bacteria in your mouth if they notice a buildup of plaque. These also help protect your mouth from further buildup.
  2. Dental disease treatments: If diagnosed with gum disease, then your dentist might direct you to a gum specialist. Other treatments, like deep cleaning of the gums or replacing fillings in the teeth, can also help.
  3. Medication: If necessary, a specialist can provide you with a prescription drug that can help your saliva glands work properly. They may also prescribe dental-grade toothpaste and rinse to help aid the oral hygiene process.

Good Habits to Practice

Without medical intervention, there are other, simple ways to keep your oral health in check from home, with methods like:

  1. Brushing your teeth after your meal or at least twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste
  2. Flossing once a day to remove food particles from between your teeth
  3. Brushing your tongue with a tongue scraper or a toothbrush with a built-in cleaner
  4. Making sure to clean your retainers, mouth guards, dentures, and bridges once a day or as directed by a professional
  5. Keeping your mouth moist. Avoid smoking, spicy foods, caffeine, and alcohol, which can cause your mouth to dry. Sugarless gum or candy is ideal to help make more saliva. A medical professional may also prescribe you medication to help produce more saliva
  6. Staying away from stinky foods like onions and garlic, and reducing your consumption of sweets
  7. Replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months or sooner if you see your toothbrush start to fray. It also helps to switch to a soft-bristle toothbrush to reduce damage to your gums
  8. Having regular dental checkups twice a year can benefit you greatly through examinations and professional cleaning.

Related Article: How do I get rid of bad breath?