Halitosis is the medical term for bad breath. There are many causes of bad breath. Halitosis can create difficulties in several ways. Often halitosis can be a sign or a symptom of an underlying disease. The social implications often can be challenging as well. Many people do not even know they have chronic bad breath. We think it is important to enlighten you about some of the facts regarding halitosis.
What Causes Bad Breath?
- Food:
Certain foods can cause bad breath. The effects of food on breath are generally more short lived. Garlic, certain cheeses, onions, fish, and coffee are examples. This is not to say that your diet does not play a part in the possibility of chronic bad breath. Food gets stuck in between teeth after meals. Certain foods are better utilized by bacteria. The byproducts of this relationship between the food you eat and the bacteria that reside intra-orally can lead to chronic bad breath.
- Tobacco:
This is one of the more obvious causes of bad breath. All tobacco products can cause transient bad breath but long term use can lead to a more long term result. Most people can remember a time when they were acutely aware of someone having “smoker’s breath”.
- Systemic Health Implications:
Sinus infections, sore throats and other infections, bronchitis, acid reflux, liver problems, and some kidney problems can lead to bad breath. Your medical doctor is best suited to diagnose and treat these issues.
- Dentures and Braces:
Dentures and braces are a possible source of bad breath. They can both be difficult to clean. That buildup can lead to unpleasant odors.
- Medications:
Many prescription medications can lead to dry mouth. The saliva provides many important functions which indirectly inhibit bad breath. For more information regarding dry mouth, please visit our past blog post!
- Intra-oral Infections:
This is possibly the most common cause of halitosis. This includes cavities, gum disease, or impacted teeth. The bacterial byproducts involved in these problems can have distasteful odors. People with oral abscesses often have a displeasing taste that accompanies the halitosis.
- Other Causes:
Many people have a tongue with deep fissures. This provides a sanctuary for bacteria.
How is Halitosis Treated?
If you have halitosis and suspect it is caused by one of the systemic issues listed above, we suggest visiting your primary care provider. In addition, they could possibly modify your medications if dry mouth is suspected to be contributory. Most of the other problems listed above can be diagnosed and treated by your dentist.
Perhaps the most simple and effective method of treating these issues is the maintenance of proper oral health. This includes regular daily maintenance as well as routine periodontal therapy from your dentist. Many of the infections listed above can be prevented or easily treated. Bad breath should be eliminated along with the cause.
The intervals for periodontal therapy from your hygienist is determined by your risk levels. Most people are scheduled once every 6 months but often it is necessary for that interval to be shortened.
At Ponte Vedra Complete Dentistry we are committed to providing outstanding dental care for our patients. In addition, we believe that the more our patients know about oral health the safer they will be from the myriad of problems that can develop from neglect of care. If you would like more information regarding your oral health we encourage you to call us any time at (904)285-7711, email us at info@pvcompletedentistry.com, or view our past blog segments.