What Is Halitosis?
“Halitosis” is the medical term that healthcare professionals use to describe bad breath. More than 50% of Americans experience halitosis from time to time, especially after consuming certain foods or drinks. However, some adults experience chronic halitosis, or bad breath, all of the time, which may indicate an underlying oral health or medical issue. Bad breath isn’t always a sign of something serious, but it can be. Below is more information about how halitosis is diagnosed, treated, and prevented.
Symptoms of Halitosis
The odor associated with halitosis can range widely from sour to sweet to foul, depending on the underlying cause. It may smell like black coffee, fish, or even rotten eggs. It may be difficult to determine what your own breath smells like, so you may need to ask someone you trust for help and honest feedback. Halitosis can be temporary or chronic, depending on the cause. If you notice that you still have bad breath, even after brushing and flossing your teeth, it may be a sign of persistent halitosis, and you should call your dentist.
How is Halitosis Diagnosed?
To diagnose halitosis, you should schedule an appointment to see your dentist. A dentist may evaluate the breath from your mouth and nose separately and perform a dental exam to determine whether an oral issue is causing the problem. Poor oral hygiene, the buildup of plaque and bacteria on and between the teeth, or the onset of gum disease are all possible causes of halitosis. If the dentist determines that advanced gum disease is responsible, they will refer you to a gum disease specialist called a periodontist. If your oral health does not appear to be responsible, your dentist may refer you to your primary care provider for further evaluation.
How is Halitosis Treated?
Determining the right treatment for halitosis begins with identifying the cause. For example, if plaque build-up is causing bad breath, a professional dental cleaning should eliminate the problem. If halitosis is related to a medication you are taking for another condition, adjusting medications may help. If halitosis is caused by an underlying health condition, your primary care provider can help diagnose it and recommend an appropriate treatment. If you practice good daily oral hygiene and still experience bad breath, you should consider scheduling an appointment with a dentist.
Can Halitosis Be Prevented?
For most adults, halitosis is preventable with proper oral hygiene and healthy habits. Here are a few steps you can take to prevent halitosis from occurring:
- Practice good daily oral hygiene, including brushing twice per day and flossing once per day.
- Clean your tongue regularly to remove bacteria, either with your toothbrush or with a tongue scraper.
- Clean your oral appliances (such as retainers and dentures) regularly.
- Use an alcohol-free antibacterial mouthwash to help reduce bacteria in the mouth.
- Maintain regular dental visits, including professional dental cleanings.
- Stay hydrated to help prevent dry mouth and maintain adequate saliva production.
- Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco products that contribute to dry mouth.
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