Bad breath is not only unpleasant to have, but it may make others avoid you. Also called halitosis, bad breath can occur due to a variety of factors, including as the result of illness that also involves other uncomfortable and adverse symptoms. When this occurs, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to treat the underlying infection and relieve symptoms of bad breath.
Significance
Antibiotics treat bad breath caused by a bacterial infection, but are not effective for other conditions such as viral infections. A viral infection may also cause bad breath, but antibiotics will not resolve this type of problem. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that if your doctor prescribes antibiotics for an infection that is causing bad breath, follow the directions for use and take all of the medication until it is gone, even if your symptoms have already resolved.
Sinusitis
Bad breath may be the result of a sinus infection. Also called sinusitis, this occurs when bacteria causes inflammation and swelling in the sinus cavity, blocking openings and trapping fluid and secretions in the space. You may also have a headache, pain or pressure in the face, and the feeling of secretions running down the back of the throat. Bad breath associated with sinusitis is often resolved with treating the infection with antibiotics. Other sources of bad breath related to the nose and throat include a foreign object in the nose, tonsillitis or pharyngitis.
Teeth
Necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis, also called trench mouth, occurs as a gum infection that develops into painful ulcers. The infection is caused by an overgrowth of bacteria and results in gum inflammation, bleeding and bad breath. Antibiotics may be necessary to clear up the ulcers and bad breath associated with this disease. Other types of mouth diseases that may also cause bad breath include a tooth abscess, dental cavities and periodontal disease.
Mouthwash
Some types of mouthwash can kill excess bacteria that lead to bad breath. Periodontal disease is a type of gum and tooth infection that causes gum inflammation and halitosis. Your dentist may prescribe a mouthwash solution containing chlorhexadine, a type of antiseptic, to kill excess bacteria. This type of mouth rinse fights bacterial growth and reduces symptoms of inflammation and bad breath.
Prevention
Prevention of bad breath involves practicing good oral hygiene and visiting your dentist regularly. According to Dr. Dan Peterson of Family Gentle Dental Care, you should brush your teeth twice a day and see your dentist every 6 months to control the amount of plaque deposits on your teeth. Plaque attracts bacteria, which leads to gum infections, causing inflammation and bad breath. Regular brushing removes food left behind in the mouth and avoids decay that can also lead to bad breath.
