Bad breath or halitosis can be embarrassing and, in some cases, can cause anxiety.
Bad breath that doesn’t go away means you have an oral health issue or a condition affecting another body part.
The most common cause of bad breath is poor oral health. Without proper oral hygiene, such as brushing, flossing, and routine dental cleanings, harmful bacteria invade the mouth and multiply out of control. This leads to several oral health issues, including halitosis, cavities, and gum disease.
Poor oral hygiene isn’t the only cause of bad breath. Several other conditions can cause bad breath, including:
- Dry mouth
- Food
- Head and neck cancers
- Tobacco products
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Tonsil stones
- Gum disease
- Infections in your nose, throat, or lungs
- Diabetes
- Liver or kidney disease
- Medicines
- Sjögren’s syndrome
The main symptom of bad breath is a foul-smelling odor that comes from the mouth. The odor can be strong enough for other people to notice.
To diagnose bad breath, a dentist will smell the breath from your mouth and nose and rate the odor on a scale. The back of the tongue most often causes the smell, so they may also scrape it to rate its odor.
When treating bad breath, regularly cleaning your mouth and teeth can reduce bad breath, help avoid cavities, and lower the risk of gum disease. Further treatment for bad breath can vary. If your dentist thinks another health condition is causing your bad breath, you will likely need to see your primary care physician or a specialist.
Your dentist will work with you to help you better control bad breath caused by mouth issues. These dental measures can include:
- Mouth rinses and toothpastes
- Treatment of dental disease
Ways to reduce or prevent bad breath include the following:
- Brushing your teeth after you eat
- Flossing at least once a day
- Brushing your tongue
- Cleaning bridges, dentures, retainers, and mouthguards
- Keeping your mouth moist
- Changing your diet
- Replacing your toothbrush
- Scheduling regular dental checkups
If you’re experiencing bad breath, it is important to visit a dentist to ensure you’re receiving the most effective treatment possible. To schedule an appointment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Department of Dental Medicine, please call (718) 670-5521.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.