Halitosis: Causes, Treatment and More

Halitosis, or bad breath, is a very common problem that affects millions of people. Some halitosis sufferers experience embarrassment from the condition and may even avoid certain situations because of it. Sadly, others may not even realize they suffer from the condition.

Oral Hygiene Habits

Many people who experience halitosis can solve the problem by following a proper oral hygiene routine. Brushing twice a day and flossing at least once a day will remove food particles that can become trapped in the mouth allow bacteria to grow. Often overlooked, brushing on the roof of the mouth, the tongue and the back of the mouth is especially important.

Some people even prefer to brush after each meal or use mouthwash after eating to help prevent and eliminate halitosis.

Those with dentures also need to follow good oral hygiene habits. Dentures that are not cleaned well can also grow bacteria that causes halitosis.

Halitosis and Your Diet

As most people realize, certain foods will affect how our breath smells. While some people try to correct food odors with chewing gum or mints, this may not always be effective.

When we eat, our odors from our food are absorbed into the blood stream and into the lungs. Afterward, when we exhale, the food odors travel out of our mouths from our lungs. This means that halitosis from food odors may not disappear until the food we've eaten has traveled through and out of our bodies, no matter how much we brush our teeth or how many mints are consumed.

Halitosis and Your Health

Certain diseases and health problems may cause halitosis as well. Dry mouth, medically known as xerostomia, is one of the most common medical causes of halitosis.

Dry mouth causes too little saliva to be produced. As saliva functions to remove food particles and other particles stuck between teeth and in the mouth, a lack of saliva will cause these particles to remain and gather bacteria, thus causing bad breath.

This is why most people will have bad breath in the morning. During sleep, especially in those who sleep with their mouths open, not as much saliva is being produced.

In addition to dry mouth, these other conditions may cause halitosis:

chronic bronchitis
diabetes
gastrointestinal problems
liver and kidney malfunctions
post nasal drip
respiratory infection
sinusitis.

However, halitosis as a result of these diseases is far less likely than other causes of halitosis. Unless you have other symptoms of the above diseases, you must first eliminate the possibility of other halitosis causes before concluding that your halitosis results from a serious condition.

If you are concerned about the cause of your halitosis, visit your dentist and your doctor to identify any underlying causes.

Treating Halitosis

While products such as mints and chewing gum may mask halitosis, they are only a temporary solution and will not eliminate the problem.

The best way to treat halitosis is to follow a rigorous oral hygiene routine. Make sure to do the following:

Brush your teeth: Brush your teeth at least twice a day. Some people prefer to brush after each meal. A dentist can recommend the best toothbrush and toothpaste that can help you fight halitosis.
Floss your teeth: Floss once a day or more as necessary to remove food particles from between your teeth. Just be careful not to over-floss, as this can make your gums raw and sore.
Rinse out your mouth or chew gum: If you cannot brush after eating and fear halitosis, rinse your mouth out with water (or mouthwash) or chew a sugar-free gum.
Use mouthwash: After brushing your teeth, use mouthwash. Make sure to use a mouthwash that is antiseptic, meaning that it will kill bacteria. Do not use mouthwash too often, however, as overuse can dry out the mouth, leading to halitosis.

Halitosis and Children

Like adults, most cases of halitosis in children result from an inadequate oral hygiene routine. Kids often brush too quickly or not thoroughly, so it's important to show your children how to brush and floss correctly and effectively and teach them the importance of oral hygiene.

Oral hygiene and a proper diet should solve most cases of bad breath in kids.

However, parents should also watch out for the following, which can cause halitosis as well:

cavities
enlarged adenoids
sinusitis
upset stomach or other gastrointestinal problems.

Bad breath in kids can be avoided. If your child's diet is balanced and his oral hygiene routine is sufficient, see a dentist or physician if halitosis continues.

Resources

American Dental Association. (2008). Bad Breath (Halitosis).Retrieved January 10, 2008, from the ADA Web site: http://www.ada.org/public/topics/bad_breath.asp.