“Halitosis is a term used to describe noticeably unpleasant
odors exhaled in breathing. Halitosis is estimated to be the third most
frequent reason for seeking dental aid, following tooth decay and
periodontal disease.”
Most of the time when we find ourselves with less than desirable
breathe we can blame the delicious onion burger we had for lunch. But
sometimes there is a more complex issue to be addressed. In the
following text I present several of the most common causes of Halitosis,
and a few treatment options to hopefully help you better understand
this common occurrence.
Some of the most common causes of Halitosis are:
• The food you eat- When food is eaten it is
absorbed into the bloodstream. From there it is transferred to the lungs
where the scent is expelled, affecting the air you exhale. This happens
until the food is eliminated by your body.
• Oral hygiene- Without brushing, flossing, and
regular dental visits food will remain in your mouth for extended
periods of time, creating a breeding ground for bacteria that produce a
less that desirable odor. Also, food left in the mouth that long can
cause the gums to rot, and nothing that is rotting can smell all that
good.
• Improperly cleaned dentures- Like poor oral hygiene, dentures that are not properly cleaned collect bacteria through food particles and cause bad breath.
• Periodontal Disease (gum disease)- One of the most
prominent symptoms of gum disease is bad, often foul breathe. Also,
along with bad breathe there will also be a constant unpleasant taste in
the mouth. If you think this is the issue, see your Dental Depot dental
professional as soon as possible.
• Xerostomia (dry mouth)- Xerostomia can be caused
by a number of things, a few of the most common causes would be a
reaction to certain medications, a salivary gland disorder, or
predominantly breathing through the mouth. Without the proper amount of
saliva the mouth will struggle to cleanse itself of food remnants.
• Tobacco- Tobacco is probably the most obvious
cause of bad breathe. Cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco, snuff, and
any other tobacco product not only causes halitosis, but also stains the
teeth and puts the rest of the body at risk for a number of diseases.
• Medical Condition- Bad breathe can sometimes be a
symptom of a medical condition. Something like a respiratory infection,
diabetes, a gastrointestinal disorder, or even liver or kidney disorder
could all cause halitosis. If you believe your halitosis could be the
symptom of a medical condition, please see a physician as soon as
possible.
Dr. Claudio A. Sorrentino
