Bad Breath

Bad breath, or halitosis, describes, as the name suggests, the unpleasant odours exhaled in breathing. A serious concern for many, it is the third most common reason that people seek dental aid.

85 - 90% of cases of bad breath originate in the mouth itself. Certain foods, such as garlic, onions, meat, fish, and cheese, contribute to bad breath, in addition to other factors, such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and obesity. Cavities, periodontal disease, and improper oral hygiene can also be responsible for bad breath originating in the mouth.

Respiratory and gastroesophageal causes are the other causes of bad breath. Respiratory causes involve the nasal passages, throat, trachea, bronchi and lungs, and include problems such as tonsillitis, sinusitis, bronchiesctasis, and infection in any of the aforementioned areas. Gastroesophageal - or digestive - causes are extremely rare, with the exception of belching, as foods do not usually affect our breath once they have reached the stomach.

Breath odour is often worse in the morning - typically called "morning breath" - as the mouth is exposed to limited oxygen during the night. Bad breathe is often passing, and can typically be remedied by brushing, flossing, rinsing with mouthwash, or even eating. Typically, bad breath can be prevented by exercising proper dental hygiene - including cleaning the tongue, and visiting the dentist regularly. It is also important to stay hydrated.

Chronic bad breath, however, is characterized by a persistent presence of bad breath, and effects roughly a quarter of the population to some degree. If good dental hygiene and trips to the dentist do not resolve the problem of bad breath, it is worthwhile to visit a doctor, to make sure that the bad breath is not a symptom of a more serious problem.