Bad Breath (Halitosis) – Treatment, Causes, Remedy, Solution, Mouthwash

Key Facts

• Bad breath, medically known as halitosis, is characterized by an unpleasant odor in the breath
• It can be caused by various factors including poor oral hygiene, food, tobacco products, or a medical disorder
• Bad breath can sometimes signal a more serious underlying health issue
• Maintaining good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups can help prevent and treat most cases of bad breath

What is Halitosis?

Halitosis is the medical term for bad breath. It is not just a temporary issue, but a chronic condition where an individual experiences persistent foul-smelling breath. While occasional bad breath is common and can be resolved through basic oral hygiene practices, halitosis might need more attention and possibly medical intervention.

How common is halitosis?

Halitosis, or bad breath, is quite common among adults. It is estimated that approximately 25% to 30% of the world’s population experience some degree of halitosis. This condition can vary in severity, from temporary bad breath to chronic halitosis.

What can I expect if I have halitosis?

If you have halitosis, you might experience a persistent unpleasant odor from your mouth. This can sometimes be accompanied by a bad taste. Halitosis can impact social interactions and self-esteem. It’s important to address the issue head-on by practicing good oral hygiene and consulting a dentist for proper diagnosis and treatment if necessary.

What does it mean if you have bad breath all the time?

If you have bad breath all the time, it might be indicative of chronic halitosis. Chronic halitosis can be due to various factors including poor oral hygiene, periodontal disease, dry mouth, use of tobacco products, certain diets, or underlying health issues such as sinus infections, gastric reflux, or diabetes. It’s crucial to consult a dentist or healthcare provider to determine the cause and appropriate treatment for persistent bad breath.

Causes of Halitosis

There are several causes for halitosis, including:

• Poor Oral Hygiene: Not brushing and flossing regularly can cause food particles to remain in the mouth, which promotes bacterial growth between teeth, around the gums, and on the tongue.
• Food: Consuming foods with strong odors such as garlic, onions, and certain spices can cause bad breath. As the food is broken down in the mouth, it can affect the air exhaled.
• Tobacco Products: Smoking or chewing tobacco-based products can cause a distinct odor in the breath. They can also lead to other oral health problems which contribute to halitosis.
• Dry Mouth: Saliva helps to cleanse the mouth. Conditions such as dry mouth or xerostomia can contribute to halitosis as there is not enough saliva to remove food particles and bacteria.
• Medications: Some medications can indirectly produce bad breath by contributing to dry mouth. Others may release chemicals that can be carried on the breath.
• Infections in the Mouth: Surgical wounds, tooth decay, gum diseases or mouth sores may contribute to bad breath.
• Other Medical Conditions: Respiratory tract infections, chronic sinusitis, diabetes, liver ailments, or kidney problems can also be the source of halitosis.

Symptoms of Halitosis

The primary symptom of halitosis is an unpleasant odor from the mouth. Other associated symptoms might include:

• A dry mouth
• A coating on the tongue
• Mouth sores
• A metallic or sour taste in the mouth
• Difficulty swallowing or a feeling of a lump in the throat

Diagnosing Halitosis

Diagnosis of halitosis begins with a visit to the dentist. The dentist will:

• Examine the Inside of Your Mouth: For signs of gum disease, infections or other problems.
• Review Medical History: Including any medications you are taking.
• Ask About Your Diet and Habits: Such as smoking or alcohol consumption.
• Perform a Halimeter Test: This device measures volatile sulfur compounds in the breath, which often are responsible for the odor.

How do I know if my breath stinks?

Sometimes it can be difficult to tell if your breath smells because people often become accustomed to their own scents. Here are some methods you can use to check for bad breath:

• The Lick Test: Lick your wrist, let it dry for a few seconds, and then smell it. This could provide a clue as to how your breath smells.
• Ask a Trusted Friend or Relative: Sometimes, the most straightforward approach is to ask someone you trust to tell you the truth.
• Use Dental Floss: Floss between your teeth, especially at the back, and then smell the floss. This can give you an idea if there’s an odor.
• See a Dentist: A dental professional can give you an objective assessment of whether or not you have bad breath.

Treating Halitosis

You may be wondering the following: How can I permanently get rid of bad breath? To address bad breath effectively, it’s essential to identify and treat its underlying cause. Here are some steps to help manage and potentially rid yourself of bad breath:

• Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Practicing good oral hygiene is essential. Brush and floss your teeth regularly, and use a tongue scraper to remove bacteria from your tongue.
• Use Mouthwash Sparingly: Using a mouthwash can help provide a temporary relief. However, it’s important not to use mouthwash to mask bad breath when a dental problem is present.
• Quit Smoking and Avoid Tobacco Products: If you use tobacco, quit. Your doctor can recommend strategies for quitting.
• Changing Medications: If your medication is causing dry mouth, your doctor might adjust the dosage or switch you to a different drug.
• Treating Dental Disease: If you have gum disease, you might be referred to a gum specialist (periodontist).
• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to help keep your mouth moist and reduce the risk of bad breath.
• Avoid Foods that Cause Bad Breath: Such as garlic, onions, and certain spices.
• Visit the Dentist Regularly: Regular check-ups and cleanings are essential for maintaining good oral health.

Halitosis pronunciation

Halitosis is pronounced as: hal-ih-TOE-sis.

Bottom Line

Halitosis, or bad breath, can be an embarrassing problem, but often there’s a simple solution. Maintaining proper oral hygiene and modifying certain lifestyle habits are effective ways of preventing and treating bad breath. However, in cases where bad breath is the result of a more serious underlying health issue, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional.

This article is complete and was published on June 22, 2023, and last updated on August 25, 2023.