Halitosis – Bad Breath Treatment
Everyone occasionally experiences halitosis, or bad breath. For example, “morning breath” is a common condition caused by reduced saliva flow during night (saliva helps wash away food and bacteria in the mouth, helping to keep the breath fresh). In most cases, this is considered normal. However, persistent bad breath can signal potentially serious dental or other health problems and need to be addressed.
Do I have bad breath?
How do you find out if you have halitosis? People are almost never able to detect when their breath is unpleasant because the nose adapts to one’s own smell. Our team of dental experts can help you assess whether you have a problem with halitosis. Dentists receive specific training in dental school about identifying and treating the many different causes of bad breath.
Causes of halitosis:
- Inadequate dental hygiene
- Periodontal (gum) disease
- Dry mouth (xerostomia), which can be caused by certain illnesses or medications
- Infections of the respiratory tract, such as throat, lung, and sinus infections
- Systemic illnesses like diabetes, liver disease, lung disease, kidney disease, and acid reflux
- Cigarette smoking and chewing tobacco
- Certain foods and beverages, like onions, garlic, and coffee
In most cases, bad breath originates in the oral cavity. Even a healthy mouth contains millions of bacteria, as the moist, warm conditions in the mouth are an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive. The trick is keeping the level of bacteria under control. Without regular and thorough brushing and flossing, food particles will remain in the mouth, interact with with bacteria, and create an unpleasant odor.
Chronic halitosis can also be a warning sign of periodontal disease (inflammation of the gums). Plaque, an invisible film of bacteria, regularly forms in the mouth. As plaque builds up, it can create toxins that irritate the gums, leading to an infection that can lead to tooth loss if left unchecked. regular dental visits can help ensure that periodontal disease is detected and treated early.
Another cause of bad breath is dry mouth. Saliva helps neutralize bacteria and wash away food particles. Therefore, conditions that cause dry mouth (including diabetes, Sjogren’s syndrome and conditions that require radiation therapy) or certain medications (such as drugs for allergies, depression, and high blood pressure) can lead to bad breath. If dry mouth is identified as the cause of your halitosis, you can help keep your mouth moist by increasing your fluid intake. Your dentist may also prescribe artificial saliva or a special rinse.
Bad breath can be a symptom of respiratory-tract infections like infections of the throat, lungs, or sinus cavity. Respiratory-tract infections will usually be accompanied by symptoms like sore throat, fever, stuffy nose, swollen lymph nodes (swollen glands), yellowish or greenish nasal discharge, or mucus-producing cough. After reviewing your symptoms and medical history, your dentist may refer you to a medical doctor for additional treatment.
Certain foods and beverages can also cause bad breath. Foods like garlic and onions are absorbed into the bloodstream and eventually expelled from the lungs. Mints and mouthwash mask the odor, but this is just a temporary fix. Dieters also sometimes suffer from halitosis.
In rare cases, halitosis may indicate an underlying systemic illness such as diabetes, liver disease, lung disease, kidney disease, or acid reflux. Your dentist can help identify the source of your halitosis and refer you for additional tests or treatment if necessary.
Your dentist will conduct a thorough exam and medical history in order to determine the source of your halitosis. The usage of specific oral rinses or prescription products may be recommended as a solution.
At North Andover Dental Partners, our team are trained in identifying and treating the many different causes of halitosis. We will ask you about your personal habits, diet, and medical history, as well as the history of your symptoms. After a thorough physical examination in order to assess the source of the problem, your dentist will provide you with a treatment plan so you can be confident that your breath is fresh and pleasant to others.
Feel free to contact us at our North Andover dental office if you have any questions about halitosis or to schedule a consultation.