Halitosis is a sophisticated word for "bad breath." Depending on the cause, bad breath may strike on occasion, or may be a more persistent condition. The most common cause of bad breath is bacteria. Because the mouth is moist and warm, it creates the perfect condition for millions of bacteria to live in the mouth. In fact, approximately 80% of bad breath is caused by something in the mouth.

 

Bad breath caused by bacteria in the mouth can easily be treated. Brushing your teeth, tongue, and gums after meals, as well as flossing and rinsing with mouthwash, will usually take care of the problem. Regular visits to our office should be made for dental exams and professional teeth and gum cleanings.

 

Some types of bad breath, such as "morning mouth," are considered fairly normal and are not usually health concerns. However, persistent bad breath may be a sign of a more serious problem with the gums and teeth.

 

Bad breath may be caused by the following:

 

• Poor dental hygiene – poor oral hygiene can leave food particles to decay in the mouth

• Infections in the mouth such as periodontal (gum) disease

• Respiratory-tract infections, such as throat infections, sinus infections, lunch infections

• External agents, including foods such as garlic, onions, and coffee, as well as cigarettes and chewing tobacco

• Dry mouth caused by salivary gland problems, or by breathing through the mouth

• Systemic illness, such as diabetes, liver disease, kidney disease, lung disease, sinus disease, reflux diseases, and others

 

Contact our office promptly if you have bad breath with painful, swollen gums that bleed easily, or if you have loose teeth. We can perform a physical examination of your mouth to determine the cause. If we discover that systematic problems are the cuase, we may refer you to your family physician. In severe cases of gum disease, we may recommend a doctor, called a periodontist, who is specialized to treat gum disease.