Bad breath, or halitosis, is an embarrassing problem, but you can often eliminate it once you identify the cause. You may be able to treat bad breath by changing your habits and eliminating triggers. If you cannot get halitosis under control on your own, your dentist can help you get to the root of the problem.
Causes
An oral problem commonly causes bad breath. Improper oral hygiene might trigger the condition because bits of food left in the mouth eventually rot and smell bad. If you do not brush and floss regularly, bacteria can grow and lead to gingivitis, which can worsen bad breath. Foods like garlic and onions can cause bad breath even after you brush your teeth. According to the American Dental Association, these foods are absorbed into the bloodstream and then transferred to the lungs, where the odor is exhaled. Dry mouth, tobacco use and even infrequent eating can lead to halitosis.
Occasionally, a medical disorder causes bad breath. Problems with the respiratory or gastrointestinal tract, liver or kidney disorders and diabetes can cause the condition, too, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Prevention
Practice proper oral hygiene to help prevent bad breath. Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Brush your tongue when you brush your teeth to remove bacteria. Floss at least once a day, and have regular dental checkups. If you wear dentures or other removable oral items, take them out and clean them at night as recommended by your dentist. Avoid tobacco and foods that cause you to have bad breath. You may also be able to prevent bad breath by eating plenty of fruits and vegetables and less meat, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Home Treatment
If you suspect that your mouth is too dry, increase your fluid intake and try sucking sugarless candy or chewing sugarless gum, the American Dental Association recommends. Look for antiseptic mouth rinses approved by the association. These can kill bacteria that cause bad breath.
Medical Treatment
If your bad breath does not respond to home treatment and prevention measures, see a dentist to determine the cause. If gingivitis is to blame, a periodontal cleaning can remove bacteria and plaque that may accumulate in deep pockets where the gums pull away from the teeth. If plaque buildup is the culprit, your dentist may clean your teeth and recommend a therapeutic mouth rinse to keep plaque under control.
Warning
If your dentist cannot find an oral cause for your bad breath, see your doctor to rule out or treat any underlying medical conditions that may be causing the problem.
