Published on Jan 11, 2019 and last reviewed on Aug 03, 2023 - 1 min read
Abstract
This article discusses the causes and management of bad breath which is also called halitosis.
Halitosis or a foul odor that comes from the mouth is not a medical emergency, but at least 25 to 30 percent of the world's population complains about this problem.
Types:
Halitosis can be described in two classes:
A dentist can treat conditions that cause bad breath, for example, if you have dental cavities, then your dentist will fill the tooth for you. If you suffer from some gum disease, then a dentist will do a professional cleaning in the dental office.
Ways to Prevent Bad Breath:
Here are some ways to prevent bad breath:
Halitosis can be caused due to the following reasons:
- Smoking tobacco products.
- Poor oral hygiene.
- Dry mouth (xerostomia).
- Certain drugs.
- Oral infections.
Bad breath or halitosis can be controlled by maintaining proper oral hygiene habits. These habits include brushing twice daily and using mouthwash as an additional aid for oral hygiene. Also, visiting a dentist for a thorough scaling is recommended to eliminate hard stains and calculus.
There is no specific medication for bad breath. However, the dentist may ask to limit food containing garlic and onion to limit halitosis. If the bad breath is caused due to acid regurgitation, the dentist may advise using H1 blockers (Cetrizine) or proton pump inhibitors (Omeprazole).
A dentist may try and eliminate the root cause of the disease, which could be oral infections or dislodgement of food particles in the caries tooth. Then, the dentist may clean the tooth with a process called scaling that removes any dirt on the tooth surface. Finally, the patient is asked to continue with proper brushing habits and mouthwash, and regular follow-ups.
Usually, bad breath associated with long-standing mouth infections may not disappear with just regular brushing. Hence it is essential to treat the infection to eliminate bad breath. Also, it may require extra care for oral hygiene.
Yes, there is a natural smell associated with everyone’s breath. It occurs due to the presence of sulfur compounds that tend to produce a smell. This can be eliminated by regularly brushing to prevent the buildup of any sticky layer on the teeth.
A BANA (microbial-enzymatic N- Benzoyl- DL- Arginine-2- Napthylamide) test is used to determine bad breath or halitosis in an individual. A plaque sample is removed from the mouth and smeared on the test strip. The strip is then examined for any enzymatic actions caused by bacteria.
Antibiotics like Metronidazole are effective against sulfur-producing compounds responsible for bad breath. However, regular brushing and good oral hygiene can combat bad breath. Regular dental check-ups also play a crucial role in maintaining good oral hygiene.
Although it is known that drugs induce halitosis, the drug specifications are not explained much in the literature. It is generally due to dry mouth that results in bad breath. Drugs like antihistamines and antidepressants are known to cause halitosis.
Nasal allergies can contribute to bad breath. This is because of the backflow of mucus and the underlying throat infection. It causes an unpleasant smell in the mouth resulting in halitosis.
Last reviewed at:
03 Aug 2023 - 1 min read
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Query: Hello doctor, I want to ask about halitosis. I already went to the dentist and the dentist said that the problem is not in the mouth and it could be in my stomach so here I am. I hope you can help me because I am at my wit's end right now. How do I know if it is in the stomach? What should I do? I ... Read Full »
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Query: Hi doctor, I have suffered congestion, brain fog, and extreme halitosis for five years and I have extremely thick mucus (liquid) with air bubbles in it. One side of my head is worse than the other. I have been to two ENTs. I have had CT scans of brain and sinus and they are all clear. Could it be Sj... Read Full »
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