Halitosis

Common Causes

Bad breath (halitosis) stems from various sources, with poor oral hygiene being the primary culprit. Key causes include:

• Insufficient brushing and flossing

• Bacterial infections

• Medication side effects

• Post-nasal drip

• Dry mouth (xerostomia)

• Tobacco use

• Certain foods (especially garlic and onions)

Problem Areas

Bacterial halitosis typically develops in specific locations:

• Back of the tongue

• Gaps between teeth

• Unfilled dental cavities

Detection and Testing

Self-Assessment Method

The most reliable self-test for halitosis involves:

1. Licking the back of your hand

2. Allowing the saliva to dry completely

3. Smelling the dried area

Note: Simply breathing into your hand is not an accurate test method.

Prevention and Treatment

Daily Prevention Steps

• Practice thorough oral hygiene

• Clean dental appliances properly (braces, dentures, retainers)

• Chew sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva production

• Quit tobacco products

• Use antibacterial mouthwash regularly

Professional Assessment

A dental professional can:

• Evaluate the severity of halitosis

• Determine if the condition indicates underlying health issues

• Recommend appropriate treatment options

Special Considerations

When dealing with food-related halitosis:

• Traditional solutions like gum or mouthwash only mask the problem

• Some foods release compounds into the bloodstream

• These compounds travel to the lungs, causing persistent bad breath

• Complete resolution occurs only after the food is fully metabolized

Professional dental evaluation is recommended if halitosis persists despite proper oral hygiene practices.