Bad breath or halitosis can be embarrassing and may even cause anxiety. Numerous mouthwashes, mints, and similar products are available in stores to alleviate unpleasant breath, but most provide temporary relief. Certain health conditions, foods, and habits can contribute to bad breath, but you can overcome this condition with consistent hygiene. In case self-care methods do not help, it is essential to seek the advice of a physician.
Symptoms
The scent of your breath can vary depending on its root cause. If you’re having difficulty evaluating it, consider requesting assistance from a trusted friend or family member. If that’s not feasible, you can attempt to lick your wrist, wait a few minutes for it to dry, and then sniff it. If you detect an unpleasant smell, you may be experiencing bad breath.
Causes
Poor oral hygiene is one of the leading causes of bad breath. Sans proper hygiene comprising routine dental cleanings, brushing, and flossing, harmful bacteria may invade your mouth and multiply uncontrollably. It can result in many health issues, such as gum disease, cavities, and bad breath.
Though poor oral hygiene is one of the prevalent causes, it is not the only one. Some conditions may also lead to bad breath. These include:
- Dry mouth – Saliva washes your mouth. So, if your body does not make adequate saliva, you may have bad breath.
- Neck and head concerns Oropharyngeal or oral cancer symptoms, such as sores that do not heal, difficulty swallowing, mouth pain, incomprehensible weight loss, and a lump in the neck, may also result in bad breath.
- Diabetes – People with diabetes are susceptible to gum disease, which may result in bad breath.
- Tonsil stones – When food gets stuck in the tonsils, it may harden into tonsil stones and cause bad breath.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease – A digestive disorder wherein the fluid or stomach acid leaks into the esophagus may also be responsible for bad breath.
- Gum disease or gingivitis is gum inflammation that leads to swelling, redness, and bleeding. It stems from plaque, a sticky film that collects on the teeth and causes halitosis.
- Kidney or liver disease – When your kidneys and liver do not work well, they cannot filter the toxins out of the body, resulting in bad breath.
- Sjögren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disease that causes dry eyes, muscle pain, dry mouth (linked to halitosis), and dry skin.
Treatment options
When plaque buildup is responsible for bad breath, a thorough dental cleaning can eliminate this issue. In people with periodontal disease, a deep dental cleaning is needed. Further, treating underlying issues, like kidney disease or sinus infection, can also help overcome bad breath. For some people, the doctor may advise an artificial saliva product or increasing water intake if dry mouth is causing bad breath.
Preventive measures
You can also take some preventive measures to overcome this problem. These include:
- Brushing your teeth twice daily
- Flossing every day, ensuring you get between all your teeth
- Using an antimicrobial mouthwash to combat mouth bacteria
- Brushing your tongue with a tongue scrapper or toothbrush to remove bacteria
- Staying hydrated
- Drinking water to keep the mouth moist and wash away the food particles
