Halitosis is the medical term for bad breath. Using mints, chewing gum and mouthwash may provide temporary relief from the pungent odor, but finding the underlying cause is important to end the halitosis. The source of the bad smell usually comes from the mouth, but may also stem from a medical condition, according to the Mayo Clinic. Usually lifestyle changes and home remedies work to correct the cause of severe halitosis.
Poor Oral Hygiene
Each day, plaque builds up on the teeth and gums. Brushing twice a day for at least two minutes helps remove the plaque and food debris. Flossing daily helps remove particles of food stuck between the teeth. The trapped food begins to rot, and bacteria begin to release odor and cause halitosis. Brushing the tongue helps remove bacteria that build up. Dentures can harbor the same foul smelling food and bacteria, so proper cleaning of the dentures helps ensure a fresh smelling mouth.
Food
Certain foods release oils as the stomach and intestines digest them. The bloodstream absorbs the oils and carries it to the lungs. As a person exhales and speaks, the oils release from the lungs into the air and spread the odor. Common foods and drink that cause bad breath include garlic, onions, spices such as curry, cheese and alcohol. Practicing good oral hygiene will not correct this bad breath. The halitosis remains until the food is completely out of the body, which may take up to 72 hours, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Dental Problems
Dental problems in the mouth can cause odors that do not go away with routine brushing. Rotten teeth, abscesses and gingivitis cause halitosis. A severe type of gingivitis is periodontitis. With this condition, the gums in the mouth become infected and inflamed, which causes bleeding and bad breath. Eventually, the teeth begin to fall out because of the infection in the gums, according to the Merck Manual of Medical Information.
Medical Conditions
Several different types of medical conditions can cause halitosis. Sinus infections and nasal discharge run down the back of the throat and can cause foul breath odors. Individuals suffering from kidney failure may have urine-smelling breath. Liver failure can cause the breath to smell fishy, according to the Mayo Clinic. Conditions affecting the stomach, such as chronic acid reflux, can cause bad breath for people. A serious condition affecting individuals with uncontrolled diabetes, called diabetic ketoacidosis, can have a fruity odor.
