Bad Breath (Halitosis)

What is halitosis?

Halitosis is an oral health problem where the main symptom is bad smelling breath. In most cases, finding the cause of the bad breath is the first step toward treating this preventable condition.

What causes bad breath?

There are many causes of bad breath, just as there are many sources of bacteria in the mouth. Halitosis may be caused by the following.

What are the symptoms of halitosis?

The main symptom of halitosis is a bad odor from the mouth. The odor can be worse in the morning or after smoking, drinking coffee, or eating certain foods, such as garlic.

How is halitosis diagnosed?

Dentists usually diagnose bad breath. The diagnosis is based on your health history and mouth odor during the dental exam. The entire mouth is checked to see if a cause can be found, such as an infection. If the dentist can’t find the cause, they will refer you to your primary healthcare provider.

How is halitosis treated?

Treatment depends mainly on the cause of the condition.

What can I do to prevent halitosis?

Halitosis can be prevented or decreased if you:

• Brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day.

• Brush your tongue, cheeks, and the roof of your mouth. Most bad breath bacteria live on the tongue. So brushing or scraping the tongue can make a big difference in your breath.

• If you have dentures, take them out at night. Clean them completely before putting them back in your mouth. Talk with your dentist before using deodorizing sprays or tablets. Some only mask the odor for a short time.

• If you smoke, quit. Ask your healthcare provider for help. You will have better smelling breath and a healthier body overall.

• Keep your saliva flowing by eating healthy foods that make you chew. Carrots and apples need a lot of saliva. You can also chew sugar-free gum or suck on sugar-free candies. If you still don’t have enough saliva to keep your mouth moist, your dentist may suggest artificial saliva.

• Visit your dentist on a regular basis. Regular checkups can find problems, such as gum disease, infections, and dry mouth. If you have bad breath and the dentist can’t find a cause, you may be referred to your primary healthcare provider for more follow-up.

Key points about halitosis

• Halitosis is an oral health problem that gives you bad breath.

• Bad breath can be caused by many things, including certain foods, poor oral care, and smoking.

• Bad breath can also be caused by certain health conditions, such as dry mouth or diabetes.

• Treating the cause of bad breath will help it go away.

• You may need to see an oral specialist (periodontist) for treatment or your primary healthcare provider depending on the cause.

Next steps

Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider:

• Know the reason for your visit and what you want to happen.

• Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.

• Bring someone with you to help you ask questions and remember what your provider tells you.

• At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis, and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any new directions your provider gives you.

• Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed, and how it will help you. Also know what the side effects are and when they should be reported.

• Ask if your condition can be treated in other ways.

• Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean.

• Know what to expect if you do not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.

• If you have a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit.

• Know how you can contact your healthcare provider if you have questions, especially after office hours or on weekends.