Bad Breath (Halitosis)

Authored By: Greg Johnstone

Reviewed By: Mike Malone, DDS

• Bad Breath Solutions

Bad breath, otherwise known as halitosis, is a very common oral health issue. People of most any age may suffer from halitosis, including:

• Individuals with poor dental hygiene.
• The elderly, young children and disabled who have difficulty maintaining dental hygiene.
• People who use mouth appliances, including dental braces and dentures.
• Smokers are more prone not halitosis and periodontal disease (another contributor to bad breath).
• People with certain medical conditions including, but not limited to, tooth decay, impacted teeth, abscessed teeth, periodontal disease, alcoholism, uncontrolled diabetes, sinusitis, post-nasal drip, allergies, throat and lung infections (such as bronchitis) and dry mouth. Dry mouth may be the result of a high protein diet, non-fibrous diet or medical condition.
• Individuals on certain medications, including, but not limited to, certain vitamin supplements, antihistamines, calcium blockers, cardiac medications, blood pressure pharmaceuticals and psychiatric drugs have been known to inhibit saliva flow or produce dry mouth, which may lead to halitosis. Dry mouth may also lead to excessive thirst and tooth decay - a good foundation for halitosis once again.
• Poor dieters who are dehydrated because of certain foods they eat may have bad breath. Foods that contribute to halitosis include diet soda, onions, spices, garlic, curry, cabbage and coffee. High protein food debris lodged between the teeth can produce halitosis as well.

Bacterial Origins of Bad Breath

Researchers have determined that bad breath typically originates during open-air interaction with bacteria in the mouth, the nose or the stomach.

There are numerous nasal triggers for bad breath. Nasal dysfunction, including a genetic abnormality in the nasal passage, may inhibit proper mucous flow. The bacteria found in sinusitis, post-nasal drip and allergies may pass from the nose to the back of the tongue where, if neglected, it can lie dormant due to improper saliva flow or poor dental hygiene.

Bad Breath Bacterial Scents

Biologists have determined that numerous types of bacteria contribute to halitosis. Interestingly, all of these bacteria are found in other types of unpleasant odors, including corpse scent (a combination of oxygen and sulfur compounds and/or nitrogen-containing gases such as cadaverine), decayed meat (putrescine), rotten egg stench (hydrogen sulfide), smelly feet (isovaleric acid), as well as feces aroma (methyl mercaptan and skatole). When bacterial plaque is not removed from the teeth, gums, or in between the teeth, it continues to grow and ultimately may lead to halitosis, tooth decay and gum disease.

To think that such scents could be emanating from your mouth is unpleasant indeed, illustrating the importance of exercising proper dental hygiene and maintaining regular dental check-ups.

• Bad Breath Solutions

[Updated May 2008]

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