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Stomach, Intestines & Urinary Tract > Upper Abdomin > Halitosis

Overview

Halitosis

Halitosis is the medical name for bad breath. The foul odor may occur periodically or be persistent, depending on the cause.

Some types of bad breath, including morning breath, are considered normal and are not causes for concern. This type of bad breath typically occurs because the mouth becomes dry at night, and dead cells stick to the tongue and inside of the cheeks. Bacteria eat these dead cells, and expel compounds that cause foul odors.

There are many other potential causes of halitosis, including poor oral hygiene and certain foods, such as garlic. Bad breath may also be a sign of an underlying medical condition.

Treatment for bad breath depends on the underlying cause. For instance, if poor oral hygiene is causing symptoms, the individual's breath will improve once he/she starts brushing and flossing the teeth regularly. In contrast, bad breath caused by chronic sinusitis may come back frequently because it stems from a structural abnormality in the sinuses.

Causes

Poor hygiene: Individuals who do not take proper care of their mouths may develop halitosis (bad breath). This is because brushing and flossing the teeth every day removes food particles from the mouth. If these food particles are not removed each day, it promotes the growth of bacteria between the teeth, around the gums, inside the cheeks, and on the tongue. These bacteria expel compounds that cause a foul odor to develop.

Tobacco: Smoking or chewing tobacco-based products may also cause bad breath. These products can also stain the teeth and irritate the tissues inside the mouth.

Certain foods: All foods can lead to bad breath if the mouth is not properly cleaned each day. In addition, once food is digested and absorbed into the blood, it eventually reaches the lungs where it may cause bad breath when the person exhales. Certain foods, such as garlic or onions, are especially pungent. Brushing the teeth or using a mouthwash only temporarily eliminates the smell. The foods must completely pass through the body in order for the odor to be eliminated.

Underlying medical problems: Bad breath can also be a sign of many different underlying medical problems. For instance, individuals who have gum disease, a condition that occurs when plaque buildup on the teeth spreads to the gums, often have bad breath. Plaque is a sticky film that contains bacteria, cholesterol, and fatty substances.

Another common cause of bad breath is dry mouth, also called xerostomia. This occurs because there is less saliva to help remove dead cells that build up inside the mouth. When people have dry mouths, bacteria eat these dead cells and release compounds that cause foul odors. Dry mouth may occur as a side effect of various medications. It may also occur if a person has salivary gland problems or continuously breathes through the mouth.

In addition, poorly fitting dental appliances, lung infections (such as pneumonia or bronchitis), chronic sinus infections, postnasal drip, diabetes, liver problems, kidney problems, yeast infections of the mouth (also called thrush or oral candidiasis), and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), may also lead to bad breath.

Treatment

General: Treatment of halitosis (bad breath) depends on the underlying cause. Patients should tell their doctors if they are taking any drugs (prescription or over-the-counter), herbs, or supplements because these agents may result in dry mouth, a common cause of bad breath. In general, it is recommended that people practice good oral hygiene, regularly visit their dentists, and drink plenty of fluids to help prevent bad breath.

Mouthwashes: Many over-the-counter mouthwashes can help treat bad breath that is not caused by underlying medical conditions. Some mouthwashes, such as Listerine®, contain antiseptics that eliminate odor-causing bacteria inside the mouth. Mouthwashes are typically used once or twice a day before or after brushing the teeth.

Good oral hygiene: If poor oral hygiene is causing symptoms, regularly brushing and flossing the teeth each day will help reduce symptoms of bad breath. People should also visit their dentists every six months for checkup and cleanings. Good oral hygiene will help prevent infections and gum disease from developing.

Artificial saliva: Artificial saliva products, such as Salivart®, may be used as often as needed to reduce symptoms of dry mouth, a common cause of bad breath. These products are available as solutions, mouthwashes, sprays, and swabs. They are also available in many flavors, such as mint. Some of these products are made with calcium or fluoride to help protect the teeth.

Toothpaste and gum: Specially designed toothpastes (such as Biotene Antibacterial Dry Mouth toothpaste®) and chewing gums (such as Biotene Dry Mouth Gum®) are available for patients with dry mouths. These toothpastes may help limit the amount of bacteria in the mouth and reduce gum irritations caused by dry mouth. Specially designed chewing gums are made with enzymes similar to those found in saliva.

Antibiotics: If an infection is causing symptoms, antibiotic medications may be prescribed. The exact type, dose, and length of treatment depend on the type and severity of the infection. These medications kill the bacteria that are causing the infection. Once the infection is treated, symptoms of bad breath go away.

Scaling and root planning: Patients who have gum disease that is causing halitosis may benefit from noninvasive procedures, such as scaling and root planning. During scaling, a dentist removes plaque and tartar from below the gums to the bottom of each pocket. During root planning, the roots of the teeth are smoothed in order to allow the gums to reattach to their roots. Antibiotics may also be prescribed after these procedures to prevent infections from developing.

Related Terms

Antibiotics, artificial saliva, bacteria, chewing gum, dental exam, dental floss, dentist, dry mouth, floss, flossing, fluoride toothpaste, mouth rinse, mouthwash, odor-causing bacteria, oral hygiene, scaling, root planning, toothbrush, toothpaste, xerostomia.

Natural Standard Bottom Line Monograph, Copyright © 2009 (www.naturalstandard.com). Commercial distribution prohibited. This monograph is intendedfor informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. You should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

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Halitosis

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