Halitosis is an oral health problem where the main symptom is bad smelling breath. In most cases, finding the cause of the bad breath is the first step toward treating this preventable condition.
Halitosis is mostly caused by sulphur-producing bacteria that normally live on the surface of the tongue and in the throat. Sometimes, these bacteria start to break down proteins at a very high rate and odorous volatile sulphur compounds (VSC) are released from the back of the tongue and throat. Halitosis is not infectious.
Causes of halitosis:
Apart from the sulphur-producing bacteria that colonise the back of the tongue, the other major causes of halitosis are:
- Dental factors – such as periodontitis (infection around the teeth) or poor oral hygiene
- Dry mouth – caused by medicines, alcohol, stress or a medical condition
- Smoking – which starves the mouth of oxygen.
Less common causes of halitosis include:
- Acid and bile reflux from the stomach
- Post-nasal discharge – for example, due to chronic sinusitis
- Kidney failure, various carcinomas, metabolic dysfunctions, and biochemical disorders, together account for only a very small percentage of halitosis suffers
- Foods – such as onions, garlic or cauliflower, which induce certain odours.
Symptoms of halitosis:
The main symptom of halitosis is a bad odor from the mouth that is considered beyond a socially acceptable level. The features of halitosis can include:
- A white coating on the tongue especially at the back of the tongue
- Dry mouth
- Build up around teeth
- Post-nasal drip, or mucous
- Morning bad breath and a burning tongue
- Thick saliva and a constant need to clear your throat
- Constant sour, bitter metallic taste.
Having halitosis can have a major impact on a person. Because of bad breath, other people may back away or turn their heads. This can cause a loss of confidence and self-esteem.
Treatment of halitosis:
There is no one treatment for halitosis. The treatment will depend on what is causing the problem. Avoiding dehydration and good oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing, are important. Some mouthwashes, lozenges and toothpastes can assist in fighting halitosis.
Dentists often diagnose halitosis. The diagnosis is based on the person’s history and mouth odor during the dental exam. The entire mouth is checked to see if a cause can be found, such as an infection If the dentist can’t find the cause, he or she will refer you to an appropriate specialist, such as an ENT doctor.
People with chronic sinusitis may find the regular use of a saline nasal spray helpful. A course of an antibiotic, effective against anaerobic bacteria (such as metronidazole, to reduce the overgrowth of sulphur-producing bacteria), may also help.
Prevention of halitosis:
Halitosis can be prevented or decreased if you:
- Brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day.
- Brush your tongue, cheeks, and the roof of your mouth. Most bad breath bacteria live on the tongue. , So brushing or scraping the tongue can make a big difference in your breath.
- If you have dentures, take them out at night and clean them completely before putting them back in your mouth. Talk with your dentist before using deodorizing sprays or tablets. Some only mask the odor for a short time.
- If you smoke, quit. You will have better smelling breath, and a healthier body overall.
- Keep your saliva flowing by eating healthy foods that make you chew. Carrots and apples require a lot of saliva. You can also chew sugar-free gum or suck on sugar-free candies. If you still don’t have enough saliva to keep your mouth moist, your dentist may suggest artificial saliva.
- Visit your dentist on a regular basis. Regular check-ups can find problems such as gum disease, infections, and dry mouth.