During a conversation with a coworker, you notice him taking a step back, leaving you wondering if that raw onion in your lunch salad left you with bad breath.
What is halitosis?
Halitosis is the medical term for bad breath. Halitosis can be temporary (the result of eating a dish containing a lot of garlic, for example) or chronic. Chronic cases are usually caused by an underlying condition, such as gum disease.
Common causes of bad breath
Bad breath is often caused by a buildup of bacteria in the mouth. This buildup can occur for several reasons. Some common causes of chronic bad breath include:
- Poor oral hygiene. If you don’t brush and floss your teeth regularly, food particles can stay in your mouth and produce a bad odor as they break down. Decaying food particles can also encourage bacterial growth.
- Dry mouth. Saliva serves an important function in removing food particles and bacteria from the mouth. Without enough saliva, food particles and bacteria remain. Dry mouth has many possible causes. These include certain medications, such as those that treat incontinence, depression and allergies, as well as salivary gland problems.
- Periodontitis. Gum diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis result from a long-term buildup of bacteria in the pockets between the teeth and can cause bad breath.
- Certain foods and drinks. Strong-smelling foods, like garlic and onions, cause bad breath. Coffee and strong-smelling alcoholic beverages may also be culprits.
- Tobacco. Smoking stinks. This not only causes bad breath but also increases the risk of cancer and other serious diseases.
Treating halitosis
Your dentist can help you determine the underlying cause of your halitosis and offer ideas for controlling it. Maybe it’s just about learning to brush and floss properly. If the cause is gum disease or another dental problem, you may need a deep cleaning or other procedure.
Preventing Bad Breath: Tips for a Fresh Mouth
The best way to prevent bad breath is to maintain optimal oral hygiene habits. These include:
- brush your teeth twice a day
- floss once a day to remove food particles left behind after brushing
- have regular dental checkups every six to 12 months.
When You May Need to See a Doctor Due to Bad Breath
If you brush and floss regularly and your dentist has ruled out other oral problems, you may want to consult your doctor. In some cases, bad breath can be caused by medical conditions like diabetes or gastroesophageal reflex disease (GERD).
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