What are the origins of bad breath, and what factors affect it?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 35-year-old female. I am interested in understanding both the common and less common factors that contribute to bad breath.

I maintain a regular oral hygiene routine, including brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash. Despite these efforts, my bad breath persists. So, my questions are -

Are there specific oral hygiene techniques or products that may be more effective in combating halitosis?
Could you please explain what halitosis is and what causes it?
Can dietary choices and lifestyle factors play a role in causing or exacerbating bad breath?
Are there specific foods or habits I should be mindful of to reduce the occurrence of halitosis?
How does dental health, including gum disease or dental infections, relate to bad breath?
What steps can I take to ensure optimal dental health and reduce the risk of halitosis?

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Halitosis is due to both intraoral and systemic reasons. Intraoral conditions include dental caries, periodontitis, or sinusitis. Systemic disorders include the kidney, liver, or gastrointestinal disorders.

For systemic diagnosis, corresponding tests are required, while for dental reasons, organoleptic rating and BANA (N-benzoyl-DL-arginine-2-napthylamide) tests are required.

Prevention includes regular tooth brushing. For treatment options, the etiological diagnosis must be done.

Treatment should be done according to the etiology.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.