Are you worried about bad breath? Do you feel worried when speaking? Halitosis, more commonly known as bad breath, is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide, so you’re not alone. While it can be embarrassing and socially uncomfortable, it is also a signal that something might be wrong with your oral health. At Honour Health our team of dental health professionals are here to help.
What is halitosis?
Halitosis refers to persistent bad breath that doesn’t go away even after brushing and using mouthwash. Occasional bad breath is normal, especially after eating certain foods or waking up in the morning. However, chronic bad breath is often an indication of underlying oral or systemic health issues.
Symptoms and signs of halitosis
Halitosis is more than just bad breath after a garlic-heavy meal or morning breath. Here are some common signs that suggest a more persistent issue:
- Persistent bad breath: A foul smell that lingers, even after brushing, flossing, or using mouthwash.
- Dry mouth: Insufficient saliva production can lead to bad breath, as saliva helps cleanse the mouth.
- Metallic taste: Some individuals with halitosis report a metallic or unpleasant taste in their mouth.
- Coated tongue: A whitish or yellowish coating on the tongue often harbours bacteria responsible for bad breath.
Common causes of halitosis
Halitosis can stem from various sources, but most cases are related to oral health issues. Let’s explore some of the most common causes:
1. Poor oral hygiene
When you don’t brush or floss regularly, food particles remain in your mouth, leading to bacterial growth between your teeth, along the gums, and on the tongue. These bacteria produce sulphur compounds that cause unpleasant odours. Regular visits to see your dentist and hygienist can help improve your oral hygiene. We use the EMS airflow system, which ensures we are providing gold standard periodontal treatments to our patients.
2. Gum disease
Gum disease (periodontitis or gingivitis) is caused by a buildup of plaque—a sticky film of bacteria—on the teeth and gums. As the bacteria break down food particles, they release foul-smelling gases. Halitosis is often a sign of an untreated gum infection. If your gums bleed when you’re brushing, this could be a sign you have gum disease. Seek advice from your dentist at Honour Health.
3. Dry mouth (Xerostomia)
Saliva naturally cleanses your mouth by washing away food particles and neutralising acids produced by bacteria. When your mouth doesn’t produce enough saliva, you may develop dry mouth, leading to bad breath. Dry mouth can be caused by certain medications, medical conditions, or simply sleeping with your mouth open. Your dentist may wish to speak to your GP about your medications, and provide you with a high fluoride toothpaste to protect your teeth from dental caries.
4. Medical conditions
Sometimes, halitosis is linked to medical conditions such as sinus infections, acid reflux (GERD), diabetes, liver or kidney disease, and respiratory infections. These conditions either reduce saliva flow or cause odours to be released from other parts of the body. If you suffer from heart burn regularly, it is worth mentioning this to your dentist, as this acid reflux can also cause dental erosion.
Treatment options for halitosis
The good news is that halitosis can often be treated by addressing its underlying causes. Here are some steps you can take to treat and prevent bad breath:
1. Improve your oral hygiene
The most effective way to prevent and treat halitosis is by practicing excellent oral hygiene. This includes:
- Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
- Flossing daily to remove food particles between your teeth.
- Cleaning your tongue, as bacteria often accumulate on its surface.
2. Stay hydrated
Drinking water throughout the day helps maintain moisture in your mouth and keeps bad breath at bay. Avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks, as they can contribute to dry mouth.
3. Regular dental visits
Regular dental checkups are crucial for detecting and treating oral health issues like gum disease, tooth decay, or other problems that may contribute to halitosis. Your dentist may recommend a professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar buildup that at-home brushing can’t tackle.
4. Treat gum disease
If gum disease is the root cause of your halitosis, your dentist will likely recommend deep cleaning procedures to remove plaque and tartar from below the gumline. As part of our dental membership club at Honour Health we offer 2 -4 Airflow treatments per year with one of our specialist dental hygienists. Find out more about our Honour Health Club here
If you’re struggling with persistent halitosis, don’t hesitate to reach out to your dentist at Honour Health. We can help you identify the cause and create a treatment plan to restore your confidence and freshen your breath.