Bad Breath Treatment

What is bad breath (halitosis)?

Chronic bad breath, also known as halitosis, is frequently an indication of inadequate oral hygiene or dry mouth. Gastric reflux, diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease, and other illnesses in other parts of your body could also be symptoms of the condition.

What are the causes and symptoms of bad breath?

• The most frequent cause of bad breath is poor hygiene. Bacteria that live in your mouth break down food particles that become lodged between your teeth or in other areas of your mouth. A bad odor is released during that process. Additionally, the bacteria can lead to gum disease and tooth decay. To get rid of food residue and manage bacteria, brush your teeth, floss, and brush your tongue.
• Dry mouth - Since saliva helps to wash your mouth, bad breath can result if your body isn't producing enough of it. Smoking can lead to dry mouth and raises the risk of developing gum disease. Your mouth may feel dry if you take certain medications.
• The most frequent cause of bad breath is poor hygiene. Bacteria that live in your mouth break down food particles that become lodged between your teeth or in other areas of your mouth. A bad odor is released during that process. Additionally, the bacteria can lead to gum disease and tooth decay. To get rid of food residue and manage bacteria, brush your teeth, floss, and brush your tongue.
• Dry mouth - Since saliva helps to wash your mouth, bad breath can result if your body isn't producing enough of it. Smoking can lead to dry mouth and raises the risk of developing gum disease. Your mouth may feel dry if you take certain medications.
• The digestive disorder known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when stomach acid or other liquids leak back into the esophagus, which is the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach.
• Tonsils are located at the back of your mouth on both sides. When food gets stuck there, it can sometimes harden into calcium deposits known as tonsil stones or tonsilloliths.
• Gingivitis, a gum inflammation that can make them red, swollen, and prone to bleeding, is a form of gum disease. Plaque, a sticky film that forms on your teeth and can be eliminated by brushing and flossing, is the root cause of gum disease. The advanced form of gingivitis known as trench mouth can cause excruciating pain, bleeding, fever, and fatigue. (It is known as “trench mouth” because soldiers in the trenches during World War I frequently contracted it.) Gingivitis that is left untreated can develop into periodontitis, which destroys the gums and can result in the loss of teeth and surrounding bone.
• Infections of the nose, throat, or lungs - Pneumonia patients, for instance, cough up foul-smelling fluid.
• Diabetes - People who have diabetes are more likely to develop gum disease, and because gum disease can raise blood sugar levels, it can be more difficult to manage diabetes.
• The smell of toxic substances that would normally be filtered out of your body by healthy kidneys or a functioning liver can cause liver disease or kidney disease to cause bad breath.
• Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune condition that can cause muscle pain, dry mouth, dry eyes, and dry skin.

What can be done to prevent or control bad breath?

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each, and floss once a day. Keep in mind to brush your tongue, or ideally, use a tongue scraper that is sold at pharmacies.
• Use mouthwash that is antibacterial.
• Visit your dentist twice a year for checkups and to have your mouth and teeth cleaned by a professional.
• To help prevent dry mouth, drink a lot of water.
• Use sugar-free chewing gum, indulge in sugar-free candies, or eat nutritious foods that require a lot of chewing to increase saliva production. Your dentist may suggest or prescribe products that can stimulate your body to produce saliva or artificial saliva. One prescription medication for this is Salagen®. Another medication used to treat Sjögren's syndrome is Evoxac®.
• Avoid using tobacco, alcohol, or caffeine products as they can cause dry mouth.