Halitosis (Bad Breath)
What is halitosis? It is a term used to describe breath that has an unpleasant odor or bad breath. Having bad breath can be embarrassing; it is estimated to the third most frequent reason people seek dental care, following tooth decay and periodontal disease. There are some medical conditions that may cause bad breath.
Causes of bad breath:
The most common location for mouth-related halitosis is the tongue. Tongue bacteria account for 80-90% of all cases of mouth-related bad breath. Other causes include:
-Poor dental hygiene-infrequent or improper brushing and flossing
-Infections and oral lesions in the mouth, tooth decay, periodontal disease, areas in between the teeth where food gets caught
-External sources-garlic, onions, coffee, cigarette smoking
-Xerostomia/Dry mouth-salivary gland problems, medications, mouth breathing
-Faulty dental work, unclean dentures
-Respiratory tract infections-throat, sinus or lung infections
-Medical problems-diabetes, liver disease, kidney disease, lung disease, sinus disease, and reflux disease
If you notice that you have bad breath, don't be embarrassed but seek help. It is recommended to consult with the dentist or medical doctor to find out if bad breath may be caused by dental or medical problems. Bad breath caused by dental problems can be prevented easily with proper home and professional care.
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