Halitosis, commonly known as bad breath, can be an embarrassing problem that means more than just impacting your self-esteem and social situations. In this article, we discuss what the condition is, what causes it and then how it can be treated effectively.

What is Halitosis?

If you find yourself thinking ‘My mouth smells bad!’, you may be suffering from ‘halitosis’ – the medical term for bad breath. It is a condition where a person’s breath consistently has an unpleasant odour that others can detect. While everyone experiences bad breath occasionally, ‘chronic halitosis’ is a persistent and ongoing problem that can be caused by a variety of factors.

Halitosis Causes

  • Poor oral hygiene: Inadequate brushing and flossing can lead to the accumulation of bacteria in the mouth, thereafter causing bad breath.
  • Gum disease: Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, can cause halitosis because of the presence of bacteria in the gums.
  • Dry mouth: Saliva helps to cleanse the mouth and neutralise the bacteria that causes odour. A dry mouth can subsequently result in halitosis due to a lack of saliva flow.
  • Certain foods and drinks: Foods and drinks with strong odours, such as garlic and coffee, can later cause temporary bad breath.
  • Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as sinus infections and acid reflux, can lead to chronic bad breath.

Halitosis Treatment

Bad breath treatment depends on the underlying cause. Here are some treatment tips: 

  • Practice good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth twice a day, floss at least once daily and use mouthwash to kill bacteria.
  • Drink water. Consuming water regularly throughout the day can help to stimulate saliva flow, which overall can prevent dry mouth.
  • Quit smoking. Smoking can cause chronic halitosis due to the presence of tobacco in the mouth.
  • Avoid certain foods and drinks. Steer clear of consuming foods and drinks with strong odours, which includes foods such as garlic and coffee.
  • Treat underlying medical conditions. If your halitosis is caused by a medical condition, then treating the condition can soon help to alleviate the problem.

In addition to the above tips, there are several treatments that can be used to combat chronic halitosis. These include:

  • Antiseptic mouthwashes. Mouthwashes that contain antiseptic ingredients such as chlorhexidine, which can help to kill bacteria and freshen breath.
  • Tongue scrapers. Tongue scrapers can help to remove bacteria from the tongue, which can be a significant contributor to halitosis.
  • Probiotics. Probiotics can help to balance the bacteria in the mouth and therefore improve oral health.
  • Treatment for gum disease. If your halitosis is caused by gum disease, your dentist may recommend treatment to eliminate the bacteria in the gums.

Summary

  • In conclusion, halitosis is a common problem that can have a variety of causes.
  • The chronic level of this condition can be a persistent and embarrassing problem, but it you can treat it effectively with good oral hygiene, lifestyle changes and the right treatments.
  • If you have ever thought ‘My mouth smells bad!’, go to a dentist and take steps to address any causes of halitosis. By doing so, you can enjoy fresh breath and better oral health.