Bad Breath (Halitosis)

Bad breath, also know as Halitosis, is one of the things that constantly plague many people.  It is estimated that 40% of the population suffers from chronic bad breath.

Below are some common causes of bad breath:

• Poor oral hygiene (not brushing and flossing properly)
• Gum disease (gingivitis)
• Eating strong foods like garlic and onions
• Using tobacco and alcohol products
• Dry mouth, which can be caused by certain medications, medical disorders, and decreased saliva flow during sleep (which is where the term morning breath comes from)
• Diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, liver, and kidney disorders

Another reason for chronic bad breath includes an excess buildup of plaque.  This problem is usually easily remedied with a visit to the dentist for a cleaning.

The best way to combat bad breath is to follow good oral hygiene, see our article titled:  White Teeth are Healthy Teeth. 

Tips for good oral hygiene and the absence of bad breath:

• Proper brushing and flossing at least twice a day
• Use a good antibacterial mouth wash. 
• If you wear dentures, remove them at night and clean them thoroughly before you wear them again.
• Visit your dentist regularly
• Avoid foods that cause bad breath.

Don’t worry if you have bad breath once in a while, that’s what breath mints are for.  However, if you always have bad breath, you may have a larger problem that needs to be addressed.  Often chronic bad breath (halitosis) is a warning sign of gum disease, also known as gingivitis.