Bad breath (halitosis) is the unpleasant smell from one’s mouth. Most people will experience
this from time to time, it can be embarrassing and cause self esteem issues. Bad breath is
usually caused by poor oral hygiene. If persistent and long lasting it can be a sign of
something more serious, therefore it is best to seek a dentist or doctor if this is an issue.
Diagnosis:
Halitosis (scientific terminology) can vary between individuals and can be hard to self assess. It is best to have a
close friend or relative to honestly tell you first if you have bad breath. If bad breath is a
concern, it is best to consult a dentist first. They can do a thorough examination of the
mouth and determine if the smell is coming from the mouth. If they are unable to find the
cause, they may refer you to see a doctor.
Causes of bad breath:
The causes of Halitosis include:
● Poor oral hygiene
The build up of food and bacteria in the mouth is a common cause of halitosis. If teeth,
gums, and tongue are not cleaned regularly and properly then the food trapped there can
start to have a foul smell. Dentures if not cleaned or do not fit properly can also trap odour
causing bacteria.
● Dry mouth syndrome
Dry Mouth Syndrome is a condition where there is not enough saliva produced leaving a dry
sticky feeling in the mouth. Saliva is helpful in flushing food particles away, therefore with
less saliva, food is more likely to remain trapped and produce an odour. Certain medications,
medical conditions and cancer treatments can all cause dry mouth syndrome which may
include halitosis as a symptom.
● Tobacco use
Smoking itself has an unpleasant smell but tobacco use can also reduce the flow of saliva,
resulting in less food particles washed away and therefore bad breath. Smoking also can lead
to gum disease which can also result in bad breath.
● Certain types of food
Certain types of food such as garlic, cheese, onions and spicy food are rather strong smelling
and can lead to halitosis. Diets high in sugar can also fuel bacteria that cause smelly breath.
● Infections
Infections/abscesses in the mouth caused by gum disease or tooth decay can produce a foul
smell.
● Medical conditions or diseases
Digestive problems, tonsillitis, kidney and liver disease, diabetes and acid reflux can all have
halitosis as a symptom. These medical related causes of smelly breath will need to be
treated by a doctor.
Treatment:
Treatment for Halitosis will depend on the cause. Most causes is from poor
oral hygiene, therefore it is important to improve oral health by maintaining a good routine,
this includes regular cleaning of the teeth, gums and tongue. Treatment in most cases can be
treated by a dentist. If the cause is from severe gum disease, a dentist may refer you to a
specialist in gums (periodontist) near you to treat you.
If the cause of is not related to oral hygiene or dental issues, your doctor will
provide you with the appropriate treatment for your specific cause.
Some tips to help improve your breath can include:
● Brushing teeth thoroughly twice a day, and flossing daily
● Rinsing with mouthwash
● Take out dentures overnight and clean before use.
● Use a tongue scraper
● Avoid tobacco use
● Drink plenty of water
● Visit a local dentist near you regularly (Click the link to find out more)
● Limit alcohol consumption
● Chew sugar-free gum. This will stimulate saliva to help cleanse away bacteria.
● Healthier diet with more fruits and vegetables.
References:
Bad breath | Health Navigator NZ
(https://www.healthnavigator.org.nz/health-a-z/b/bad-breath/)
Bad breath – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic
(https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bad-breath/symptoms-causes/syc-203509
22)
Bad breath: What causes it and what to do about it – Harvard Health
(https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/bad-breath-what-causes-it-and-what-to-do-about-it-
2019012115803)
