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Halitosis
Halitosis
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| Halitosis |
Halitosis , What Is It?
Bad breath is breath that has an unpleasant odor. It's also known as halitosis. This odor can occur from time to time, or it can be long lasting, depending on the cause.
Millions of bacteria live in the mouth, particularly on the
back of the tongue. In many people, they are the primary causes of bad
breath. The mouth's warm, moist conditions are ideal for the growth of these
bacteria. Most bad breath is caused by something in the mouth.
Some types of bad breath are considered to be fairly normal.
They usually are not health concerns. One example is "morning
mouth." This occurs because of changes in your mouth while you sleep.
During the day, saliva washes away decaying food and odors. The
body makes less saliva at night. Your mouth becomes dry, and dead cells stick
to your tongue and to the inside of your cheeks. When bacteria use these cells
for food, they produce a foul odor.
In addition, bad breath can be caused by the following:
You may not always know that you have bad breath. That's
because odor-detecting cells in the nose eventually get used to the smell.
Other people may notice and react by stepping away from you as you speak, or
making a face.
Other symptoms depend on the underlying cause of bad breath:
· o Infections
in the mouth —
Symptoms depend on the type of infection. They can include:
o Red or swollen gums that may bleed easily, especially after
brushing or flossing
o Pus between teeth or a pocket of pus (abscess) at the base of a tooth
o Loose teeth or a change in how a denture
fits
o Painful, open sores on the tongue or gums
·
Respiratory
tract infections —
Symptoms may include:
o Sore throat
o Swollen lymph nodes ("swollen
glands") in the neck
o Fever
o Stuffy nose
o A greenish or yellowish discharge from the
nose
o A cough that produces mucus
·
Dry
mouth —
Symptoms may include:
o Difficulty swallowing dry foods
o Difficulty speaking for a long time because
of mouth dryness
o Burning in the mouth
o An unusually high number of cavities
o Dry eyes (in Sjögren's syndrome)
·
A dentist or physician may notice bad breath during an office
visit. Sometimes, the smell of the patient's breath may suggest a likely
cause for the problem. For example, "fruity" breath may be a sign
of uncontrolled diabetes. A urine-like smell, especially in a person who is
at high risk of kidney disease, can sometimes indicate kidney failure.
Your dentist will review your medical history for conditions
that can cause bad breath and for medicines that can cause dry mouth. Your
dentist also will ask you about your diet, personal habits (smoking, chewing
tobacco) and any symptoms. He or she also will ask who noticed the bad breath
and when.
Your dentist will examine your teeth, gums, mouth and salivary
glands. He or she also will feel your head and neck and will evaluate your
breath when you exhale from your nose and from your mouth.
Your dentist may refer you to your family physician if an
illness is the most likely cause. In severe cases of gum disease, your dentist may suggest that you see a
periodontist (dentist who specializes in gum problems).
You will need diagnostic tests if the doctor suspects a lung
infection, diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease or Sjögren's syndrome. The
type of tests you get depends on the suspected illness. You may get blood
tests, urine tests, X-rays of the chest or sinuses, or other tests.
How long bad breath lasts depends on its cause. For example,
when the problem results from poor dental hygiene, proper dental care will
begin to freshen the mouth right away. You'll have even better results after
a few days of regular brushing and flossing. Periodontal disease and tooth abscess also respond quickly to
proper dental treatment. Bad breath caused by chronic sinusitis may keep
coming back, especially if it is caused by a structural abnormality of the
sinuses.
Bad breath that results from an illness may be a long-term
problem. It often can be controlled with proper medical care.
Bad breath caused by dental problems can be prevented easily
with proper home and professional care.
·
Brush your teeth,
tongue and gums after meals and floss daily. This is the most important factor
if your bad breath is caused by dental problems
·
If your dentist
recommends it, rinse with a mouthwash approved by the American Dental Association
(ADA)
·
Visit the dentist
regularly (at least twice a year) for an exam and tooth cleaning.
You also can combat bad breath by drinking plenty of water
every day to help your body make saliva. An occasional swish of the mouth
with water can loosen bits of food. Sugar-free gum or sugar-free breath mints
can help you keep breath fresh and prevent plaque from forming. But be aware that consuming
large amounts of sugar-free gum and/or mints that contain sorbitol may cause
side effects. These can include diarrhea and bloating.
The treatment of bad breath depends on its cause.
Call your dentist promptly if you have bad breath with loose
teeth or painful, swollen gums that bleed easily. Also, call your doctor if
you have bad breath along with any of the following symptoms:
·
Fever
·
Sore throat
·
Postnasal drip
·
Discolored nasal discharge
·
Cough that produces
mucus
Even if you have none of these symptoms, call your dentist or
physician if your bad breath continues despite a good diet and proper dental
hygiene.
Sometimes bad breath can be a sign that a medical condition
needs attention right away. If you have diabetes, gastroesophageal reflux
disease (GERD) or chronic liver or kidney disease, ask
your doctor what bad breath may mean for your condition.
The outlook for fresh breath is usually excellent if you stick
to your dentist's or physician's treatment plan.
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