Halitosis – Bad Breath May Be More Serious Than You Think
Jul 08, 2024Almost everyone suffers from bad breath (halitosis) once in a while. According to recent medical research, 25% of the global adult population suffers from some form of halitosis. It is often the result of eating dishes containing excessive amounts of onions, garlic and other strong-smelling ingredients. These cases of halitosis can normally be cured by following recommended oral hygiene practices. Your dentist will guide you on this matter. One common issue with bad breath is that people who suffer from it do not know that they have this condition. When in doubt, the easy solution is to ask a close friend or family member to smell your breath. However, in some cases, halitosis may be a sign of another medical condition, which may require urgent medical attention.
If normal oral hygiene practices do not stop bad breath, a dentist should be consulted. As with all medical conditions, delaying seeking diagnosis and treatment may result in a longer and more complicated recovery.
The Causes of Halitosis
The most common causes are eating strong smelling foods (the odour remains after eating) and poor oral hygiene which can cause bacteria to collect on the teeth and gums resulting in the development of cavities and gum disease which cause foul smells. The other causes include:
- Dry mouth because the body does not produce enough saliva to flush away food particles. This can be the result of various medical ailments and also smoking and eating paan.
- Gum disease results in swelling, redness and inflammation of the gums. Besides leading to tooth loss, gum disease can also cause bad smell. Gum disease may be a sign of diabetes.
- Lung, throat and nose infections may result in the production of pus which may have a bad smell.
- The liver and kidneys flush toxins from the body. If either organ is not functioning properly, the toxic substances stay in the body and can cause foul odours.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a digestive condition that causes stomach acid and fluids to move back into the throat. These can have unpleasant smells.
- In some cases, head and neck cancers can produce sores that result in bad smells.
Symptoms and Signs of Halitosis
Halitosis causes breath to smell bad. It can also result in continuing sour and/or bitter tastes in the mouth. A person may be unaware that he/she is suffering from halitosis. If others are reluctant to stand near them, the reason may be halitosis.
Diagnosis of Halitosis
Halitosis diagnosis involves a dentist checking for bad breath and its severity. A tongue that is coated could also be an indication of halitosis. In case a patient has come to the dentist immediately after brushing teeth or using mouthwash, a second examination may be required when there has been no recent brushing or rinsing.
Also Read: Sore Throats and Their Treatments
Treatment of Halitosis
This will, in the first instance, be done by a dentist. The treatment will depend on the diagnosed cause of the problem. If it is due to poor oral hygiene, a dental cleaning and improved oral hygiene may resolve the problem. If gum disease or cavities are found, these will also have to be treated to stop the odour.
If halitosis is a symptom of another medical condition not related to dental issues, the dentist will refer you to another medical practitioner for detailed tests to find the cause and begin appropriate treatment. It is for this reason that the best way of diagnosing halitosis and finding the cause is to go to a dental clinic that is part of a large multispecialty hospital. This will give you access to a full range of medical specializations, highly skilled doctors and world-class medical technology and equipment. In other words, if halitosis can be treated by simply improving dental hygiene, treating oral health conditions or finding and treating other ailments that are causing the bad breath, all the required medical facilities will be available in one place. This will ensure that the diagnosis and treatment are done with the least possible inconvenience to you and there is complete coordination between all the doctors who may be involved in the diagnosis and treatment. The confidence and peace of mind that comes from having efficient and advanced medical care that only a multispecialty hospital can provide is a solid foundation for your recovery.
Preventing Halitosis
As already stated, good oral hygiene is the basis for preventing the most common causes of bad breath. The basics of this are:
- Brushing teeth twice a day for at least 2 minutes each time.
- Scraping the tongue along with brushing.
- Using dental floss to clean between the teeth once a day.
- Regular use of an antibacterial mouthwash.
- Remaining well-hydrated.
- Avoiding excessive tea, coffee and soft drink consumption.
- Not smoking and limiting the consumption of paan.
- Perhaps most importantly, having a dental checkup every 6 months.
Halitosis should never be ignored. It can affect social, professional and personal relationships. And if it is a symptom of another medical condition, the sooner it is treated, the better.
Also Read: வைட்டமின் டி குறைபாட்டினை நிவர்த்தி செய்யும் வழிகள்
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is halitosis and what causes it?
Halitosis, commonly known as bad breath, is often caused by poor oral hygiene, dry mouth, gum disease, and consuming strong-smelling foods like onions and garlic.
2. How can I tell if I have halitosis?
You might have halitosis if others avoid close contact with you or if you experience a persistent sour or bitter taste in your mouth. Asking a close friend or family member to check your breath can help.
3. How is halitosis diagnosed?
A dentist can diagnose halitosis by checking for bad breath and examining the coating on your tongue. Sometimes a second examination is needed if you've recently brushed or used mouthwash.
4. What are the treatment options for halitosis?
Treatment depends on the cause. It may include improved oral hygiene, dental cleaning, treating gum disease or cavities, and addressing other underlying health issues.
5. Can halitosis be a sign of a serious medical condition?
Yes, halitosis can indicate serious health issues like diabetes, liver or kidney problems, GERD, or infections. If bad breath persists despite good oral hygiene, consult a dentist or doctor.
6. How can I prevent halitosis?
Prevent halitosis by brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, scraping your tongue, using antibacterial mouthwash, staying hydrated, avoiding smoking, and having regular dental checkups every six months.
Comments - 0
Share Your Thoughts
SEARCH
RECENT BLOGS
CATEGORIES
7 Proven Ways to Live a Heart Healthy Life
Common Heart Procedures An Overview
Common Tests To Diagnose Heart Disease
All You Need To Know About Coronary Artery Disease
How to Manage Stress at Work? | Heart Health
How Good Sleep Can Keep Your Heart Healthy
Angioplasty and Stent Placement - How Is It Done?
Minimally Invasive Radiofrequency Ablation for Irregular Heartbeat
Causes of Hair Fall and Prevention
All You Need To Know About Abdominoplasty Or Tummy Tuck Surgery
All You Need to Know About PRP Treatment
What Is Cosmetic Surgery? What are the types of Cosmetic Surgery?
Staying Healthy During A Pandemic
Healthcare in the Post COVID-19 World
Emergency Response When Experiencing Difficulty in Breathing
First Aid for Seniors – Special Precautions and Needs
The Importance of Medical Care for Patients Who Have Only About 6 Months to Live
Vertigo - Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
Middle Ear Infection And Treatment
Can Diabetes be cured permanently?
The Importance of Health Packages in Staying Healthy
Whom to See First? General Physician or Specialist?
Knowing When to Go to the Hospital
How to Find the Right Hospital Near You?
Why Multispecialty Hospitals Are the Best
The Link Between Diabetes And Obesity
Pain in Sole of the Foot – Do Not Ignore It
The Dangers of Antibiotic Misuse
What causes excessive burping?
Acid Reflux Should Not Be Ignored
What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome
The Importance Of Limiting Time On Tech Devices For Children
Sitting Too Much and Heart Health: The Link
Health Risks While Returning to Work after the Lockdown
A South Indian Diet Plan For Heart Patients
Symptoms You Should Never Ignore
Traumatic Brain Injury - Causes, Symptoms and Treatments
5 Things to Know About Cerebral Palsy
Spotting Early Signs of Dementia
List of Common Urogynaecology Surgical Procedures
Tips for Successful Breast Feeding
The Importance of Regular Gynaecological Examinations
How To Find The Best Gynecologist
Vaginal Discharge - When Should You See A Doctor
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) – What You Need To Know
Premenstrual Syndrome - Understanding and Dealing with It
What You Need to Know About Ovarian Cyst
Menopause Is Normal but That Does Not Mean It May Not Need Treatment
Uterine Fibroids May Be Common, but the Condition Should Not Be Ignored
What You Need to Know About Menstrual Pain and Cramps?
பெண்ணுறுப்பு புற்றுநோய்க்கான அபாயத்தைக் குறைக்கும் ஆரோக்கியமான பழக்க வழக்கங்கள்
The Importance of Self Breast Examination
Understanding the Various Stages of Lung Cancer
Can Lung Cancer Be Diagnosed Without a Biopsy?
Healthy Habits That Can Help Deal with Lung Cancer
Understanding Cancer – The First Step In Dealing With It – Part 1
Understanding Cancer - The First Step In Dealing With It - Part 2
HPV Vaccination – Protection against Cervical and Other Cancers
கீல்வாத மூட்டுவலி என்பது என்ன?
Herniated Disk: When Is Surgery Needed?
Causes, Symptoms and Treatment of Cervical Spondylosis
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Causes and Treatment
Do Brittle Bones and Hormones Have a Connection?
Paediatric Care – Choosing the Right Hospital
Immunization Chart For The Ages Of 0 To 3 Years
Regular Health Checkups for Children Are Vital for Long-Term Good Health
Psychological Trauma after an accident
Sleep Disorders - Causes and Treatment
மாரடைப்பின் எச்சரிக்கை அறிகுறிகளை அறியுங்கள் – தாமதிக்காமல் செயல்படுங்கள்!
எண்டோகிரைன் கோளாறுகள் - வகைகள், காரணங்கள், அறிகுறிகள், நோய் கண்டறிதல் மற்றும் சிகிச்சை வகைகள்
இதய நோயாளிகளுக்கான உணவுமுறைத்திட்டம்
குழந்தை சாப்பிட வம்பு பண்ணும் பழக்கத்தை சரி செய்யும் வழிகள்
ஸ்ட்ரோக் - சிகிச்சையும் பாதுகாப்பும்
நுரையீரல் புற்றுநோய்க் காரணிகள்
குழந்தைகள் பொருட்களை விழுங்கிவிட்டால் என்ன செய்வது
வாழ்க்கை முறை மாற்றங்கள் மூலம் கொலஸ்ட்ரால் அளவைக் குறைப்பது எப்படி?
வைட்டமின் டி குறைபாட்டினை நிவர்த்தி செய்யும் வழிகள்
தோல் வியாதிகள் மற்றும் அவற்றைப் புறக்கணிப்பதால் ஏற்படும் அபாயங்கள்
இதய நோய்ச் சிகிச்சையில் தொழில்நுட்ப முன்னேற்றங்கள்
மனநல நோய்கள் குணப்படுத்தப் படக் கூடியவை, கவலை வேண்டாம்!
செர்விகல் ஸ்போண்டிலோசிஸ் – காரணங்கள் மற்றும் சிகிச்சை
கீழ் முதுகுவலி மீண்டும் வராமல் தடுக்க சில வாழ்க்கை முறை மாற்றங்கள்
வறண்ட தொண்டைப் புண் - காரணங்கள் மற்றும் சிகிச்சை
ஆஸ்துமாவுடன் வாழ்வது – நாம் தெரிந்து கொள்ள வேண்டிய விஷயங்கள்
செவித்திறன் இழப்பு - காரணங்கள் மற்றும் தடுப்பு