Halitosis

Halitosis is a condition where the sufferer is affected by consistent or periodically bad breath. In the vast majority of cases the cause of the condition is the millions of bacteria living in the mouth and on the tongue. Bacteria find the mouth an ideal breeding ground due to its moist, warm conditions. Whilst some types of bad breath are typical like 'morning breath' where your saliva levels have dropped while you slept and so odors aren't carried away efficiently, there's several other types of halitosis which can be chronic.

The Causes

Amongst the chief causes of halitosis is a lack of dental hygiene. When you don't brush your teeth or floss sufficiently this can cause food particles left inside your mouth to decay and produce the bad odors associated with halitosis. Similarly ingesting different substances can often be the cause of halitosis. Prime examples include cigarette smoke, garlic and coffee. Halitosis can also be caused by medical issues either localised to your mouth or generally occuring in the body. Infections in the gums or a dry mouth caused by a problem with your salivary gland, can both contribute to halitosis. Also conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, sinus problems and liver disease have all been shown to produce halitosis.

Symptoms

People suffering from halitosis often don't notice the associated smells as their sensory cells in the nose have become accustomed to the odor. The symptoms of halitosis vary greatly depending upon what the underlying cause of bad breath is. For example if a patient suffers from halitosis due to a lack of dental hygiene then it's usual to expect issues with plaque or gum problems. Similarly, if the cause is an infection in the mouth then patients may experience swollen gums, abcesses at the base of teeth and other types of sores which occur on the tongue. If your halitosis is caused by salivary gland problems then you may experience difficulty swalloing certain foods, problems speaking and possibly a burning sensation in your mouth.

As with the symptoms experienced, the length of time you experience halitosis for depends greatly on the underlying cause. For instance, if the halitosis is occurring due to a lack of dental hygiene then simple steps to ensure better dental care can have immediate effects. Similarly abscesses at the base of teeth and gum disease often respond very quickly to the right dental treatments. However if your halitosis is a symptom of an underlying medical issue then this can be a long-term problem which will need careful medical attention.

Diagnosing Halitosis

Depending on the cause of the halitosis your mouth will produce several unique kinds of smell. For instance, a urine-like smell may indicate problems with your kidneys whereas a 'fruity' sort of smell can often occur due to uncontrolled diabetes. It's typical for your dentist to review your medical history in order to see if any medical conditions may be causing the condition. You'll also be asked about your diet and any habits such as smoking or chewing tobacco. It's also important to undergo a thorough dental examination to check your gums, teeth and salivary glands.

Treatment and Prevention

The treatment for halitosis is highly dependent on what the underlying cause is. However there's a number of simple steps you can follow to helpe prevent against bad breath caused by dental problems. For example, maintaining a good level of oral hygiene by brushing your teeth, tongue and gums thoroughly after eating. Similarly, flossing regularly and using a mouthwash rinse has also been shown to have positive effects. It's also important to have regular check ups with your dentist to make sure everything is normal.

You can also prevent against halitosis by drinking plenty of water each day which will help encourage the production of saliva. Also occasionally swishing a small amount of water in your mouth can help to loosen any residual food particles. There's a number of products you can pruchase which will help keep your breath fresh such as mints and sugar-free gum and foods such as raw carrots and celery have also been shown to help prevent halitosis.