All About Halitosis

Bad breath can commonly occur from certain foods, but some people suffer from chronic bad breath, known as halitosis. If you feel like you regularly have bad breath, read on to learn what might be causing it and how to stop it.  

What is halitosis?

Halitosis is the technical term for bad breath. It is characterized by an unpleasant odor that originates from the mouth. Halitosis can be temporary or a chronic condition affecting people of all ages. 

What are the symptoms of halitosis?

An unpleasant odor that won’t go away is the primary symptom of halitosis. The odor may worsen in the morning when you wake up or after eating or drinking certain foods and beverages.

What causes halitosis?

A variety of factors can contribute to halitosis. Some of the most common causes of halitosis include:

• Poor oral hygiene: Lack of brushing and flossing allows food particles and bacteria to accumulate in the mouth, leading to bad breath. 
• Tongue coating: Tongue plaque or biofilm is a white or yellow coating on the tongue that can harbor bacteria and produce unpleasant odors. 
• Dry mouth: Insufficient saliva production can result in a dry mouth, leading to a higher bacterial growth rate and causing bad breath. 
• Certain foods and beverages: Consuming beverages like coffee and alcohol can contribute to dry mouth, which, as mentioned, is a breeding ground for bacteria and worse breath odor. Strong-smelling foods like onions, garlic, and spices can cause temporary bad breath. If you are not properly brushing and flossing, these foods and drinks can linger and lead to prolonged bad breath. 
• Tobacco products: Smoking and tobacco use can cause distinct and persistent bad breath. Tobacco use also stains your teeth and can increase your risk of cancer. 
• Medication: Some medications can be responsible for bad breath, as a common side effect is dry mouth. 
• Illness: Sickness such as sinus or respiratory illness can lead to bad breath, as odor-causing bacteria are more likely at this time. Illness is likely to lead to short-term bad breath. 
• Dental issues: Tooth decay, gum diseases like gingivitis, periodontal disease, oral infections, and dental abscesses can all contribute to halitosis. 

Can halitosis be cured? How do you fix bad breath?

In most instances, you can reverse bad breath, but it can require some trial and error to get to the root cause of your bad breath. 

Fixing halitosis depends on the cause of your bad breath. Once you have determined why you are experiencing bad breath, you can determine the best way to fix the issue. Maintaining good oral hygiene is most important to combat halitosis. 

How can I prevent halitosis?

As stated above, good oral health is necessary to fix halitosis, but it can also help prevent bad breath. 

Brushing your teeth twice daily and flossing once daily is the best way to prevent halitosis. When brushing your teeth, brush your tongue, cheeks, and roof of your mouth, as bacteria can live on all these areas. You can also finish with mouthwash.

Regularly visiting your dentist will also help prevent halitosis. Your dentist can ensure you are not experiencing any signs of gum disease or other dental issues that can lead to bad breath. 

Enjoy healthy foods that require a lot of chewing to keep your mouth moist. Crunchy foods such as carrots and apples can help keep up saliva production. 

Stop the use of tobacco products to help prevent halitosis.

Clean dentures each night before putting them back in your mouth. 

Are you worried about bad breath?

If you are concerned about your breath, contact Fortson Dentistry at 248-968-2914 to schedule a dental visit. We can provide you with a teeth cleaning and address any dental issues that may be causing halitosis.