Almost everyone suffers from bad breath (halitosis) once in a while. According to recent medical research, 25% of the global adult population suffers from some form of halitosis. It is often the result of eating dishes containing excessive amounts of onions, garlic and other strong-smelling ingredients. These cases of halitosis can normally be cured by following recommended oral hygiene practices. Your dentist will guide you on this matter. One common issue with bad breath is that people who suffer from it do not know that they have this condition. When in doubt, the easy solution is to ask a close friend or family member to smell your breath. However, in some cases, halitosis may be a sign of another medical condition, which may require urgent medical attention.
If normal oral hygiene practices do not stop bad breath, a dentist should be consulted. As with all medical conditions, delaying seeking diagnosis and treatment may result in a longer and more complicated recovery.
The Causes of Halitosis
The most common causes are eating strong smelling foods (the odour remains after eating) and poor oral hygiene which can cause bacteria to collect on the teeth and gums resulting in the development of cavities and gum disease which cause foul smells. The other causes include:
- Dry mouth because the body does not produce enough saliva to flush away food particles. This can be the result of various medical ailments and also smoking and eating paan.
- Gum disease results in swelling, redness and inflammation of the gums. Besides leading to tooth loss, gum disease can also cause bad smell. Gum disease may be a sign of diabetes.
- Lung, throat and nose infections may result in the production of pus which may have a bad smell.
- The liver and kidneys flush toxins from the body. If either organ is not functioning properly, the toxic substances stay in the body and can cause foul odours.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a digestive condition that causes stomach acid and fluids to move back into the throat. These can have unpleasant smells.
- In some cases, head and neck cancers can produce sores that result in bad smells.
Symptoms and Signs of Halitosis
Halitosis causes breath to smell bad. It can also result in continuing sour and/or bitter tastes in the mouth. A person may be unaware that he/she is suffering from halitosis. If others are reluctant to stand near them, the reason may be halitosis.
Diagnosis of Halitosis
Halitosis diagnosis involves a dentist checking for bad breath and its severity. A tongue that is coated could also be an indication of halitosis. In case a patient has come to the dentist immediately after brushing teeth or using mouthwash, a second examination may be required when there has been no recent brushing or rinsing.
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Treatment of Halitosis
This will, in the first instance, be done by a dentist. The treatment will depend on the diagnosed cause of the problem. If it is due to poor oral hygiene, a dental cleaning and improved oral hygiene may resolve the problem. If gum disease or cavities are found, these will also have to be treated to stop the odour.
If halitosis is a symptom of another medical condition not related to dental issues, the dentist will refer you to another medical practitioner for detailed tests to find the cause and begin appropriate treatment. It is for this reason that the best way of diagnosing halitosis and finding the cause is to go to a dental clinic that is part of a large multispecialty hospital. This will give you access to a full range of medical specializations, highly skilled doctors and world-class medical technology and equipment. In other words, if halitosis can be treated by simply improving dental hygiene, treating oral health conditions or finding and treating other ailments that are causing the bad breath, all the required medical facilities will be available in one place. This will ensure that the diagnosis and treatment are done with the least possible inconvenience to you and there is complete coordination between all the doctors who may be involved in the diagnosis and treatment. The confidence and peace of mind that comes from having efficient and advanced medical care that only a multispecialty hospital can provide is a solid foundation for your recovery.
Preventing Halitosis
As already stated, good oral hygiene is the basis for preventing the most common causes of bad breath. The basics of this are:
- Brushing teeth twice a day for at least 2 minutes each time.
- Scraping the tongue along with brushing.
- Using dental floss to clean between the teeth once a day.
- Regular use of an antibacterial mouthwash.
- Remaining well-hydrated.
- Avoiding excessive tea, coffee and soft drink consumption.
- Not smoking and limiting the consumption of paan.
- Perhaps most importantly, having a dental checkup every 6 months.
Halitosis should never be ignored. It can affect social, professional and personal relationships. And if it is a symptom of another medical condition, the sooner it is treated, the better.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is halitosis and what causes it?
Halitosis, commonly known as bad breath, is often caused by poor oral hygiene, dry mouth, gum disease, and consuming strong-smelling foods like onions and garlic.
2. How can I tell if I have halitosis?
You might have halitosis if others avoid close contact with you or if you experience a persistent sour or bitter taste in your mouth. Asking a close friend or family member to check your breath can help.
3. How is halitosis diagnosed?
A dentist can diagnose halitosis by checking for bad breath and examining the coating on your tongue. Sometimes a second examination is needed if you've recently brushed or used mouthwash.
4. What are the treatment options for halitosis?
Treatment depends on the cause. It may include improved oral hygiene, dental cleaning, treating gum disease or cavities, and addressing other underlying health issues.
5. Can halitosis be a sign of a serious medical condition?
Yes, halitosis can indicate serious health issues like diabetes, liver or kidney problems, GERD, or infections. If bad breath persists despite good oral hygiene, consult a dentist or doctor.
6. How can I prevent halitosis?
Prevent halitosis by brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, scraping your tongue, using antibacterial mouthwash, staying hydrated, avoiding smoking, and having regular dental checkups every six months.