Definition
Bad breath, also called halitosis, is an unpleasant odor of the breath. Usually it is due to poor hygiene, but it can be an indication of underlying health problems.
Description
Bad breath is likely to be experienced by most adults and many children, at least occasionally. Some people are strongly convinced that bad breath is present when it is not. Bad breath can have a significant impact on a person’s social and professional life.
Causes & symptoms
Accumulation of plaque on the teeth is a major cause of bad breath. Plaque is a mucus film that mixes with food particles, saliva, and bacterial residue in the mouth. Bad breath can also be caused by any number of other problems. These include sores in the mouth, infected tonsils, tooth or gum disease, fermentation of food particles in the mouth, sinus infections, and badly cleaned dentures. Conditions that may cause bad breath are not only limited to the oral and nasal areas. Other possible sources of the problem might be indigestion, lung infection, kidney failure, tuberculosis, syphilis, liver disease, stomach and intestinal problems, stress, dehydration, zinc deficiency, and cancer.
Cigarette smoking can also lead to bad breath, not only in the smoker, but also in someone constantly exposed to secondhand smoke. A diet high in fats, spicy foods, or one that includes coffee may contribute to unpleasant breath odors. Medications causing dry mouth or dehydration may also be a source of problems, since the flow of saliva helps clean out the mouth. Antihistamines, decongestants, antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, diuretics, and some heart medications may have a dehydrating effect, and could be a cause of bad breath.
Diagnosis
The easiest way to determine if one has bad breath is to ask a friend who is trustworthy and discrete, or to ask a doctor or dentist. A test that can be attempted on one’s own, is to cup a hand over the mouth, exhale, and then inhale through the nose while smelling the breath. A physical examination by a doctor or dentist may be used to diagnose other problems that may be causing the bad breath.
Treatment
The most effective treatment of bad breath is to treat the cause. If bad breath is a continuing problem or there are other symptoms, such as bleeding gums, a doctor or dentist should be consulted. A medication change may be warranted if a prescription drug is contributing to bad breath. A physician should be consulted any time a change in medication is planned.
Expected results
Most bad breath can be treated successfully with good oral hygiene or medical care. Occasionally, a person may develop delusional or obsessive behavior regarding breath odor problems, and mental health counseling may be appropriate.
