Bad Breath (Halitosis): Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment

Having bad or smelly breath after eating garlic or waking up from sleep is quite common and we all go through it from time to time. This bad breath usually goes away with a simple gargle or brushing your teeth. But what causes bad breath even after brushing teeth?

Halitosis or more commonly known as Bad Breath is a condition that causes constant bad breath without any pre-mentioned triggers like eating garlic or sleeping, which can happen due to poor oral hygiene or unhealthy habits like smoking or chewing tobacco. Bad breath is not only harmful to your oral health but can also affect your self-esteem and can negatively impact your personal relationships and quality of life.

Causes of Bad Breath

To understand what bad breath is and to cure it we must first know the root causes of dry mouth and bad breath. Bad breath or Halitosis is usually caused by the bacteria present on your teeth or the tongue. It usually occurs due to poor oral hygiene or unhealthy habits. In most cases, smoking cigarettes is the leading cause of bad breath.

Neglecting it can make this problem more severe and eventually lead to gum diseases like gingivitis and periodontitis. It can also make your salivary glands weak and lead to a dry mouth. The best way to cure bad breath is to take proper care of your oral health and avoid it in the first place.

How is Breath Odor Diagnosed?

The symptoms of Halitosis or bad breath are pretty obvious. Your dentist will check your breath and ask you some questions about the condition. It is recommended to brush your teeth before visiting the dentist. The doctor will also ask you about your addictions, your oral hygiene, ongoing medicines, allergies, diseases, and also your eating habits as these factors play an important role in causing bad breath. The dentist will try to find the source of the bad odour and guide you through the treatment accordingly.

Treatment of Bad Breath From Mouth

A constant stink from your mouth is a sign of Halitosis and you must consult a dentist before the problem worsens. Usually, the dentist treats this condition with a full hygiene treatment and cleansing to reduce the bacteria, plaque, or tartar that might be causing the bad odour. If bad breath has worsened and caused other conditions, the doctor will guide you through appropriate procedures to cure it. The doctor might also ask you to make certain changes in your daily lifestyle that can drastically improve the quality of your oral health.

Treating other health conditions like a sinus infection or kidney disease can also help improve bad odour. Drinking plenty of water and preventing your mouth from becoming dry can also help cure bad breath.