Halitosis or Bad Breath: Causes and Solutions
Halitosis (bad breath) is a fairly common problem- there are lots of things that can cause a temporary experience of bad breath. Almost everyone has experienced the bad odour that can result after a meal containing garlic or onions, for example.
The Colgate website reports that 40% of the population suffers from a chronic form of halitosis, which may be caused by:
- Ineffective oral hygiene (not brushing and flossing properly)
- Gum disease
- Eating certain foods like onions or garlic
- Tobacco and alcohol products
- Dry mouth (caused by certain medications, medical disorders and by decreased saliva flow during sleep — hence the term “morning breath”)
- Systemic diseases including some forms of cancer, diabetes, liver and kidney disorders
How Can Bad Breath / Halitosis Be Avoided?
The obvious answer is not to consume the foods and beverages that can lead to bad breath- garlic, onions and alcohol being the top contenders.
If you are a smoker, bad breath is yet another great reason to reduce or preferable stop smoking… This will definitely improve the chronic bad breath that many smokers experience.
If you experience morning breath, very often your morning dental hygiene routine will eliminate this odour. It is still a good idea to mention the morning halitosis to your doctor and your dentist: it is possible that the cause of morning breath could be eliminated with their assistance, especially if your medications or snoring are causing decreased salivary flow.
Chronic halitosis should definitely be discussed with your medical practitioner or your dentist, in case there is an underlying serious medical or dental condition that is causing it.
Don’t Be Embarrassed: We’re Here To Help
Often people are just too embarrassed to discuss bad breath, and choose instead to mask the problem with mints or mouthwashes: both a temporary solution at best. If you do suffer from halitosis, let us be part of your solution.
Last updated January 24, 2019.