What is halitosis? Halitosis or bad breath is a non-infectious condition when a person releases bad odor from the mouth due to sulfur-producing bacteria that thrive on the surface of the tongue and in the throat.
How does this happen? The bacteria cause the release of smelly volatile sulfur compounds from the back of the tongue and from the throat as well.
Causes of halitosis
There are other causes of halitosis such as dental issues like periodontitis or infection around the teeth due to poor dental hygiene, dry mouth or less production of saliva and smoking.
Drying of Mouth
Dry mouth can cause bad breath since the non-existence of saliva or production of minimal amount of saliva will just enhance growth of bacteria and fungi in the mouth. Saliva not only cleanses and moisten the mouth but also prevents infection by regulating fungi and bacteria in the mouth.
Smoking deprives the mouth of oxygen and the chemicals of tobacco smoke remain in the mouth, causing halitosis. The smell of a newly smoked cigarette remain in the lungs for hours such that the smoker releases the stale scent whenever he or she exhales. This is called smoker’s breath which is known to be odorous.
Eating spicy and pungent foods
Foods such as onions and garlic induce certain odors and may also cause halitosis but only for the short term.
Existing medical conditions
Other secondary causes of halitosis are acid reflux in the stomach, some medical conditions such as kidney failure, metabolic dysfunction, carcinomas, and post nasal discharge due to chronic sinusitis.
Symptoms of halitosis
Here are some conditions that best describe a person with halitosis:
- white coating especially at the back of the tongue
- build up around the teeth
- a dry mouth
- mucous or post nasal drip
- morning bad breath
- constant sour and bitter metallic taste
- thick saliva
Bad breath treatment
Halitosis can be treated by natural ways and a good dental hygiene routine. Drinking a lot of water enables the production of more saliva to prevent drying of mouth.
Regular brushing and flossing is essential in preventing generation of odor causing tooth decays, plaque and gum irregularities.
It is also important to scrape the tongue regularly since bacteria are known to accumulate in the tongue surface.
The use of a reliable mouthwash can also prevent halitosis.
The persistence of halitosis even with good dental hygiene and healthy lifestyle requires doctor consultation to confirm other causes.