Bad Breath (Halitosis)

What Is It?

Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is breath that has an unpleasant odour. This odour can strike periodically or be persistent, depending on the cause. In many people, the millions of bacteria that live in the mouth (particularly on the back of the tongue) are the primary cause of bad breath. The mouth's warm, moist conditions make an ideal environment for these bacteria to grow. Most bad breath is caused by something in the mouth.

Some types of bad breath, such as "morning mouth," are considered to be fairly normal, and they usually are not health concerns. The "morning mouth" type of bad breath occurs because the saliva that regularly washes away decaying food and odours during the daytime diminishes at night while you sleep. Your mouth becomes dry, and dead cells adhere to your tongue and to the inside of your cheeks. Bacteria use these cells for food and expel compounds that have a malodour.

In addition, bad breath can be caused by the following:

  • Poor dental hygiene — Infrequent or improper brushing and flossing can leave food debris inside the mouth.

  • Infections in the mouth — Periodontal (gum) disease

  • Respiratory tract infections — Throat infections, sinus infections, lung infections

  • External agents — Garlic, onions, coffee, cigarette smoking, chewing tobacco

  • Dry mouth — This can be caused by salivary gland problems, medications or by "mouth breathing."

  • Systemic illnesses — Diabetes, liver disease, kidney disease, lung disease, sinus disease, reflux disease and others

  • Psychiatric illness — some people may perceive that they have bad breath, but it is not noticed by oral-health-care professionals or others. This is referred to as "pseudohalitosis."

Symptoms

A person may not always know that he or she has bad breath. This phenomenon is because odour-detecting cells in the nose eventually become accustomed to the constant flow of bad smells from the mouth. Others may notice and react by recoiling as you speak.

Other associated conditions may underlay bad breath:

  • Poor dental hygiene — Teeth are coated with film or plaque, food debris trapped between teeth, pale or swollen gums

  • Infections in the mouth — Gums may be red, swollen and bleed easily, especially after brushing or flossing; pus may drain from between teeth; a pocket of pus (abscess) may be present at the base of a tooth; loose teeth or a change in "fit" of a denture; painful, open sores on the tongue or gums

  • Respiratory tract infections — Sore throat, swollen lymph nodes ("swollen glands") in the neck, fever, stuffy nose, a greenish or yellowish nasal discharge, a mucous-producing cough

  • External agents — Cigarette stains on fingers and teeth, a uniform yellow "coffee stain" on teeth

  • Dry mouth — Difficulty swallowing dry foods, difficulty speaking for a prolonged period because of mouth dryness, a burning sensation in the mouth, an unusually high number of dental caries, dry eyes (in Sjögren's syndrome)

  • Systemic (bodywide) illnesses — Symptoms of diabetes, lung disease, kidney failure or liver disease

Diagnosis

A dental professional or doctor may notice the patient's bad breath while the patient is discussing his or her medical history and symptoms. In some cases, depending on the smell of the patient's breath, the dental professional or doctor may suspect a likely cause for the problem. For example, "fruity" breath may be a sign of uncontrolled diabetes. A urine-like smell, especially in a person who is at high risk of kidney disease, can sometimes indicate kidney failure.

Your dental professional will review your medical history for medical conditions that can cause bad breath and for medications that can cause dry mouth. Your dental professional will also ask you about your diet, personal habits (smoking, chewing tobacco) and any symptoms, including when the bad breath was noticed and by whom.

Your dental professional will examine your teeth, gums, oral tissues and salivary glands. He or she also will feel your head and neck and will evaluate your breath when you exhale from your nose and from your mouth. Once the  examination is finished, your dental professional may refer you to your doctor if systemic problems are the most likely cause. In severe cases of gum disease, you may be referred to be seen by a periodontist (a dentist who specialises in gum problems).

You will need diagnostic tests if the doctor suspects a lung infection, diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease or Sjögren's syndrome. Depending on the suspected illness, these tests may include blood tests, urine tests, X-rays of the chest or sinuses, or other specialised testing.

Expected Duration

How long bad breath lasts depends on its cause. For example, when the problem results from poor dental hygiene, proper dental care will begin to freshen the mouth immediately, with even more impressive results after a few days of regular brushing and flossing. Periodontal disease and dental abscess will respond to proper dental treatment. Bad breath resulting from chronic sinusitis may be a recurring problem, especially if it is caused by a structural abnormality of the sinuses.

Bad breath that results from a systemic illness may be a long-term problem that can often be controlled with proper medical care.

Prevention

Bad breath caused by dental problems can be prevented easily. Daily maintenance calls for brushing your teeth, tongue and gums, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwashes. Regular visits to the dentist should be made for dental examinations and for professional cleaning.

Bad breath also can be combated by drinking plenty of water every day to encourage saliva production. An occasional swish of the mouth with water can loosen food particles. Other strategies for increasing saliva flow and assisting with oral clearance, included chewing sugar-free gum and earring raw foods such as carrots and celery.

Treatment

The treatment of bad breath depends on its cause.

When To Call A Professional

Schedule in to see your dental professional  promptly if you have bad breath with painful, swollen gums that bleed easily or loose teeth. Also, call your doctor if you have bad breath along with a fever, sore throat, a post nasal drip, a discoloured nasal discharge or a mucous-producing cough. Even if you have none of these associated symptoms, call your dental professional or doctor if your bad breath continues despite a good diet and proper dental hygiene.

If you have diabetes, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD) or chronic liver or kidney disease, ask your doctor how bad breath can be a sign that your underlying medical condition needs immediate attention.

Prognosis

Once bad breath has been diagnosed, the outlook for fresh breath is usually positive as long as you listen to your healthcare provider’s advice and recommendations.

 

This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.