Halitosis is the medical term for the condition commonly known as bad breath. If you have bad breath, you may be able to solve your problem with something as simple as an improvement in your oral hygiene; however, bad breath may also be a symptom of a more serious condition, and how you treat it depends on the underlying cause.
Tobacco Products
If you smoke cigarettes or use other tobacco products, you are more likely to develop bad breath. The Mayo Clinic explains that smoking dries out the mouth and can cause an unpleasant odor. It also notes that tobacco users are more likely to develop periodontal disease than non-users, which can also cause bad breath. If you're interested in stopping smoking, the federal government's Smoke Free website can put you in touch with counselors and smoking cessation programs in Florida and other states.
Foods
Certain foods are well-known for causing bad breath, and in that case, no special treatment is required. You just need to find out which foods create breath problems for yourself and learn to avoid those foods if you're worried about breath odor. The breakdown of foods in your mouth can cause an odor that may be combated with better brushing and flossing. However, foods such as onions and garlic may continue to cause odor, as the oils in these foods are absorbed into your bloodstream. You may breathe out their odor until the foods are eliminated from your body.
Dental Problems
If you don't take good care of your teeth by brushing and flossing regularly, you may experience mouth odor. Food particles that remain in your mouth can collect bacteria that lead to bad breath. The plaque that forms in your mouth can lead to tooth decay and gum disease, which will worsen the problem. To find a good dentist, start by asking friends or family in your area for recommendations. You also can get information about local dentists from the Florida Board of Dentistry's website.
Dry Mouth
If your mouth isn't creating enough saliva to keep itself clean, bad breath can result. Many people are familiar with morning breath, the bad breath you can wake up with due to your mouth drying out during sleep. In addition, many medications list dry mouth as a side effect. Drinking plenty of water can help, but you may also need to speak with your health care provider about alternative medications if drugs are contributing to your bad breath.
Nasal Conditions
If you're suffering from a cold or sinus condition, you also may experience bad breath as a result of postnasal drip. Over-the-counter medications are available to combat nasal congestion and a runny nose, but consult with a doctor if you have persistent problems.
Disease
The Mayo Clinic reports that in about 10 percent of cases of bad breath, the odor doesn't stem from the mouth itself. Certain cancers and metabolic disorders can produce a breath odor because of the chemicals they produce. People with diabetes or kidney or liver failure may notice a fishy smell. The reflux of stomach acids also may cause bad breath. In these cases, the underlying condition must be treated.
