Bad breath, called halitosis, can cause anxiety and social embarrassment, notes MayoClinic.com. Many temporary treatments, such as chewing gums, mouthwashes and mints are available, but treatment needs to focus on the underlying cause of bad breath to be successful. Health conditions, hygiene habits and certain foods can cause bad breath. If better dental hygiene does not improve the breath, or if concern about bad breath exists, a dental consultation is needed.
Correct Oral and Dental Problems
Dry mouth, called xerostomia, can be a major cause of bad breath. Dry mouth is the result of decreased saliva flow, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). Causes of xerostomia include certain medications, mouth breathing or a disorder of the salivary glands. MayoClinic.com notes that dry mouth normally occurs during the night and leads to morning breath. Mouth breathing during the night worsens the problem. Periodontal disease, or gum disease, also causes foul breath, along with unpleasant taste in the mouth. Gum disease requires treatment by a dentist.
Abstain From Foods That Cause Odor
Certain foods cause an unpleasant breath odor. Garlic and onions are absorbed into the bloodstream and are then exhaled. Such foods can affect the breath until they are eliminated by the body, explains UMMC. Dieters may develop unpleasant breath from infrequent eating. Alcoholic beverages also cause bad breath, notes Merck Manual.
Treat Underlying Disease
According to MayoClinic.com, 10 percent of cases of bad breath are caused by disease in other parts of the body. Liver and kidney disease can cause a fishy breath odor. Poorly controlled diabetes can result in a fruity odor on the breath from chemicals called ketones. GERD, or gastroesophageal disease, causes reflux of stomach acids and is associated with bad breath. Some medications used for psychiatric problems and high blood pressure can contribute to bad breath by causing dry mouth.
Treat Sinus Conditions
Sinusitis, an inflammation or infection of the sinuses, can cause bad breath. Sinusitis can be caused by allergies, nasal polyps, smoking, bacterial and viral infections and overuse of nasal sprays. Symptoms include pain or pressure in the forehead and face, fever, nasal congestion, reduced sense of taste or smell, a cough that may worsen at night and aching teeth. Bad breath associated with a sinus infection is due to mucus that drips from the sinuses into the back of the throat, called postnasal drip. Treatment depends on the cause, and can include saline nasal spray, decongestants, antibiotics and treatment of allergies.
Perform Good Dental Hygiene
Food particles left on the teeth, tongue and gums can cause bad breath. Consistent brushing, flossing and routine examinations by a dentist can prevent bad breath, says the Merck Manual Professional Edition. Bacteria on the back of the tongue is another common cause of breath odor, and a tongue scraper should be used during regular oral hygiene. Dentures that are not cleaned regularly or don't fit well can collect bacteria and cause bad breath.
Stop Using Tobacco Products
According to the American Dental Association, tobacco causes bad breath. Tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco and snuff cause diseases, stain the teeth and contribute to foul breath. Smoking causes dry mouth and causes its own distinctive mouth odor. Tobacco also increases the risk of periodontal disease, another cause of bad breath.
