Bad breath (halitosis)

What causes bad breath?

Most people suffer from bad breath occasionally. However, if it becomes permanent you should consult your dentist.

Most adults suffer from bad breath occasionally, although it may affect up to a quarter of adults on a regular basis.

Bad breath is usually brought on by the breakdown of proteins by bacteria somewhere in the mouth. However, there are several other possible causes that affect the airways, oesphagus and stomach that can also lead to bad breath.

Factors that affect the mouth and cause bad breath

• Dental decay.
• Gum disease.
• Food stagnation between the teeth.
• Dry mouth.
• Excessive bacterial activity on the tongue, possibly due to postnasal drip (catarrh coming down the back of the throat from the sinuses and nasal passages).
• Throat or tonsil infection.
• Catarrh.

Factors that affect the airways and cause bad breath

• Sinusitis.
• Polyps.
• Dryness.
• Foreign body.
• Hindered air or mucus flow.
• Bronchitis.
• Pneumonia.
• Bronchiectasis (dilation of the bronchi of the lungs, usually from previous infection).

Factors that affect the oesphagus and stomach and cause bad breath

• Gastritis and food reflux.
• Food stagnation.

In rare cases, bad breath can be a sign of a significant general health problem, so it should not be ignored. However, the usual cause is oral, which can often be treated to resolve the problem.

How can bad breath be treated?

As bad breath is almost always caused by a problem in the mouth, it is helpful to visit a dentist. Do not try to mask the odour before the visit - it needs to be as typical as possible.

If there is any dental treatment required to eliminate disease or avoid food stagnation areas, this will be carried out. If no oral cause can be identified by the dentist, it may be necessary to attend a clinic that specialises in breath odours, or to visit other health professionals.

Some people become excessively concerned about bad breath, in which case a psychological professional can help put what may in reality be a minor problem into perspective.

What can you do for yourself?

• Maintain a high level of oral and dental hygiene. In addition to brushing, it is important to clean between the teeth using dental floss, woodsticks or an inter-dental brush as recommended by your dentist or pharmacist.
• Use a tongue cleaner and clean right to the back of the tongue.
• Use a mouthwash recommended by your dentist or pharmacist. The best time to use it is just before sleeping.
• Drink plenty of fluids, avoiding too much coffee.
• Clean your mouth after eating milk products, fish and meat.
• Chew sugar-free gum, especially if your mouth feels dry.
• Eat fresh, fibrous vegetables.
• Visit your dentist regularly and have your teeth professionally cleaned as required.