If you’re wondering what causes halitosis it is various factors. In most cases, the primary cause of bad breath includes food remaining in the mouth – on the teeth, tongue, gums, and other structures, collecting bacteria. Dead and dying bacterial cells release a sulfur compound that gives your breath an unpleasant odour. Certain foods, such as garlic and onions, contribute to breath odour. Once the food is absorbed into the bloodstream, it is transferred to the lungs, where it is exhaled. Brushing, flossing and mouthwash only mask the odour. Dieters sometimes develop unpleasant breath from fasting.
Periodontal (gum) disease is one of the reasons for bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth, and persistent bad breath may mean a sign that you have gum disease. Gum disease is caused by plaque – the sticky, often colourless, film of bacteria that constantly forms on teeth. Here, routine periodontal exams can help you to maintain your oral health, preventing gum disease.
Dry mouth or xerostomia may also cause bad breath due to decreased salivary flow. Saliva cleans your mouth and removes particles that may cause odour. Tobacco products are one of the other causes of halitosis that also leads to stained teeth, reduces your ability to taste foods and irritate your gum tissues. Bad breath in adults may also be a sign that you have a serious health problem, such as a respiratory tract infection, chronic sinusitis, postnasal drip, chronic bronchitis, diabetes, gastrointestinal disturbance, liver or kidney ailment.
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Is Bad Breath a Sign of Illness?
In some cases, yes! To give you a deeper perspective on whether or not certain illnesses are one of the causes of halitosis (the medical term for bad breath), here are characteristic bad breath odours associated with some of these illnesses:
- Diabetes – acetone, fruity
- Liver failure – sweetish, musty
- Acute rheumatic fever – acid, sweet
- Lung abscess – foul, putrefactive
- Blood dyscrasias – resembling decomposed blood
- Liver cirrhosis – resembling decayed blood
- Uremia – ammonia or urine
- Hand-Schuller-Christian disease – fetid breath and unpleasant taste
- Scurvy – foul breath from stomach inflammation
- Wegner`s granulomatosis – Necrotic, putrefactive
- Kidney failure – ammonia or urine
- Diphtheria, dysentery, measles, pneumonia, scarlet fever, tuberculosis – extremely foul, fetid odor
- Syphilis – fetid
Bad breath in adults may also be caused by medications including central nervous system agents, anti-Parkinson drugs, antihistamines/decongestants, anti-psychotics, anti-cholinergics, narcotics, anti-hypertensives, and anti-depressants.
Caring For Bad Breath
- One of the easiest bad breath cure is daily brushing & flossing and regular professional teeth cleaning, will normally take care of unpleasant breath. And don’t forget your often overlooked tongue as a culprit for bad breath. Bacterial plaque and food debris can also accumulate on the back of the tongue. The tongue’s surface is extremely rough and bacteria can accumulate easily in the cracks and crevices.
- Controlling periodontal disease and maintaining general and oral health helps to reduce bad breath. If you have a permanent bad breath, make a list of the foods you eat and any medications you take. Some medications may contribute to bad breath.
- Improperly cleaned dentures are also one of the reasons for bad breath, as it can harbour odour-causing bacteria and food particles. If you wear removable dentures, take them out at night and clean them thoroughly before replacing them.
- If your dentist determines that your mouth is healthy and that the odour is not oral in nature, you may be referred to your family physician or to a specialist to determine the cause and the possible treatment for bad breath. If the odour is due to gum disease, your dentist can either treat the disease or refer you to a periodontist, a specialist in treating gum tissues. Gum disease can cause gum tissues to pull away from the teeth and form pockets. When these pockets are deep, only professional periodontal cleaning can remove the bacteria and plaque that accumulate.
- Mouthwashes are generally ineffective on bad breath. If your bad breath persists even after good oral hygiene, there are special products your dentist may prescribe, including Zytex, which is a combination of zinc chloride, thymol and eucalyptus oil that neutralizes the sulfur compounds and kills the bacteria that causes them. In addition, a special antimicrobial mouth rinse may be prescribed. An example is chlorhexidine, but be careful not to use it for more than a few months as it can stain your teeth.
Some of the best mouthwash for bad breath is Australia or antiseptic mouth rinses have been accepted by the American Dental Association for their breath freshening properties and therapeutic benefits in reducing plaque and gingivitis. Instead of simply masking breath odour, these products have been demonstrated to kill the germs that cause bad breath. Ask your dentist about trying some of these products.
FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
Maintaining good oral health and routinely going for dental check-ups is one of the best ways to deal with bad breath. The reasons for bad breath as seen above are many, from illnesses to gum disease to smoking. So, there are no permanent cures for bad breath. However, regular dental check-ups can help you to deal with issues related to bad breath before it becomes a hassle.
Depending on what the cause of halitosis is, you’d be able to take appropriate measures to get rid of bad breath. Brushing, flossing, and using antiseptic mouthwash are some of the preventive ways to kill bad breath. Other bad breath remedies include keeping yourself hydrated, making changes to your diet, chewing gum, etc. Also, avoid foods that cause bad breath.
If you are looking for ways on how to get rid of bad breath naturally, then this at-home bad breath cure is worth trying out. Saltwater can kill bacteria from your mouth and throat. By using a lukewarm saltwater solution to rinse your mouth and gargle, you would be able to wash away some of the bacteria.
Like mentioned above, there are various reasons for bad breath even after brushing such as dry mouth caused by dehydration leading to lack of saliva, food particles leading to the build-up of bacteria, medical conditions, tooth decay, gum diseases, tobacco products, among others.
Yes, it can! Like mentioned above, some of the illnesses like Scurvy can cause bad breath from stomach inflammation. Ulcers caused by bacteria can be a reason for bad breath. Heartburn after eating certain food can lead a bitter/sour taste in your mouth. Chronic acid reflux (gastroesophageal reflux disease), which is a medical condition, can also cause halitosis.
Apart from saltwater rinse, sugar free chewing gum, brush, floss, clean tongue. Apple cider vinegar is another remedy which can be used for bad breath treatment. Here, mix a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in water and drink it or you can use it as a mouthwash.
Deficiency of B vitamins and zinc can cause bad breath. Some of the other vitamins that can help fight off bad breath are vitamin C and vitamin D. Depending on the cause of bad breath, your dentist or GP can prescribe the appropriate vitamins and minerals.
Mouthwash and salt water are both good and are used in different situations. Mouthwash is helpful to clean areas your toothbrush can't reach and freshen your breath. On the other hand, saltwater rinses are excellent at killing bacteria in the mouth. They also help speed up healing in the mouth.
Here's a list of things that cause bad breath:
- Medications
- Infections in your mouth
- Tobacco products
- Poor dental hygiene
- Dry mouth
In case you have bad breath, try making lifestyle changes such as brushing your teeth and tongue after every meal, using dental floss and staying hydrated. If it still persists after making these changes, then it's time to consult a doctor.
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Dr. Adarsh Pisharodi Post Author
Dr. Adarsh Pisharodi, serving as the principal dentist at Oris Dental, brings a wealth of expertise spanning over 26 years to his esteemed practice. Specializing in cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, and orthodontics, he takes immense pride in rejuvenating countless smiles and instilling confidence in Sunshine Coast residents. As an esteemed member of the Australian Dental Association and esteemed dental societies, he remains steadfast in delivering exceptional care to his patients.
