Do you have oral malodor also known as halitosis? Chances are you are unaware of your malodor, yet the people around you might have taken notice. It is generally accepted that over half of the population suffers from halitosis which may be transient or chronic in nature. The source of the offensive odor may be bacterial byproducts from plaque or putrifying food debris in the gums and on the teeth, as well as the back of the tongue.
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The most common source of odor is gum disease and dental decay.
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The most common source is gum disease and dental decay. However, many other causes are known to exist such as respiratory infections, gastric reflux, sinusitis, tonsilitis, yeast overgrowth, dry mouth, poorly fitting dentures, mouth breathing, food odor ( coffee, garlic), systemic diseases (diabetes), as well as certain medical prescriptions. For example, some anti-depressants are known to reduce salivary flow, causing dry mouth which can lead to bad breath since saliva plays an important role in flushing the oral cavity. The poisonous content of tobacco reduces salivary flow giving most smokers bad breath . Furthermore, hormonal fluctuations can cause oral malodor during menstruation. Simply fasting too long between meals can lead to hunger odors due to metabolic changes. As you can see, an accurate diagnosis is therefore very important.
The obvious first line of defense is the treatment of any dental disease, combined with diligent oral hygiene including thorough tongue brushing. An assessment by an ear-nose-throat specialist is often necessary to exclude respiratory/sinus infections. Furthermore a thorough medical evaluation can detect systemic diseases as the cause. A variety of oral rinses are available to control the most stubborn cases but should be used as a last resort. The compulsive use of mints and gums will often lead to dental decay and is therefore only recommended for acute short term problems.
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The obvious first line of defense is the treatment of any dental disease, combined with diligent oral hygiene including tongue brushing.
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A strategy for prevention should include dental exams twice a year, proper oral hygiene with a balanced diet, as well as a low-stress lifestyle combined with exercise. All these factors lead to a healthy body which rarely suffers from halitosis. Your dentist and hygienist can help you evaluate the cause of your bad breath.
