Dental Topics What is Cosmetic Dentistry? Veneers Tooth Whitening/Bleaching Dental Phobia Tooth Sensitivity Dental Implants Don’t Use Teeth as a Tool Bad Breath Senior Dental Health Dental Health New Year Resolution Minimal Tooth Removal Importance of Maintenance Appointments High Tech Dental Procedures Dental Information

Bad breath: Social dilemma or health condition?
The Wisdom Tooth by Wynn H. Okuda, D.M.D.

Before

After

The topic of this month’s article may be embarrassing for some: bad breath (halitosis). Before you start joking about this topic remember, the most important issue surrounding bad breath is to find its underlying cause first. It could be something as simple as cigarette smoking. Or it could be something that requires treatment, such as a medical condition. Ask yourself if is it a chronic situation or just occasional. Although halitosis is mostly a social dilemma, the implications of a more serious dental or medical condition requires further exploration.

The causes of bad breath range from explanations as temporary as certain foods you eat, to issues that are more serious, such as advanced gum disease (periodontitis). Strong odored foods, such as garlic and onions, will give off their odors once ingested. They will continue to do so until these foods are ridden your body. There are over-the-counter remedies that claim to address "garlic breath", but I think most people try to either eat these foods in moderation, or avoid these foods altogether before important social encounters.

Cigarettes, cigars and other tobacco products will unavoidably leave their scent on your breath. The solution I recommend to absolutely stop bad breath from tobacco, which will also contribute positively to your dental and overall health, is to take steps towards quitting use of these products.

Sometimes halitosis is a result of poor daily dental hygiene. As you eat, particles of food may be lodged between teeth and other areas of the mouth. As these lodged food particles decay, there is an increase in bacteria in the mouth that leads to bad breath. By brushing at least twice a day, and flossing at least once a day, many of these particles can be eliminated. Remember that dentures and partial dentures need cleaning attention also. If you have special needs in cleaning, for example around a bridge, be sure to ask your dentist or hygienist the best way to clean around these restorations.

Halitosis could be a symptom of dental disease. Gum disease begins when plaque built-up at the gum line irritates the gums, and causes them to redden and bleed. If left untreated, the gums may pull away, leaving pockets where plaque, bacteria and infections can further accumulate. This is the cause of the constant odor associated with gum disease. In advanced gum disease, the gums and bone continue to recede (move away) from the tooth, which may result in teeth becoming mobile and loose. Regular oral examinations by your dentist can help to catch gum disease when it first begins, and start you on a course of corrective treatment. Keep in mind that not only does gum disease contribute to bad breath, it’s also the number one reason of tooth loss in adults.

If you suffer from "dry mouth", this may be a contributor to halitosis. We rely on saliva as a natural rinse in our mouths to remove bacteria, food particles and plaque. Certain medications, breathing through your mouth, and salivary gland problems may limit the production of saliva. Talk to your dentist if you feel you have this problem.

Bad breath may also be the result of a medical condition, such as a sinus infection, post-nasal drip, respiratory tract infection, or other diseases.

The American Dental Association offers tips to follow to maintain good oral health and reduce bad breath. (1) Brush twice daily, and floss daily (as mentioned above), (2) Brush your tongue daily, too, (3) Rinse with a fluoride mouth rinse or anti-microbial mouth rinse, (4) Have regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings, (5) Keep your mouth moist, (6) Ask your dentist or physician if any of the medications you take can dry your mouth, (7) Use a moisturizing nasal spray to control post-nasal drip.

If your bouts with bad breath are not caused by any dental or medical condition, you may also consider such temporary cures as sugarless mints, sugarless gums or sprays (mints and gums also increase the production of saliva). Keeping a toothbrush or small bottle of mouthwash at work may not be such a bad idea, especially after a meal at an Italian or Korean restaurant. At the very least, rinse your mouth with water after eating. This helps to neutralize acids and reduce bacteria by 30%.

Although bad breath is the subject of many jokes, the underlying cause may or may not be a serious concern. Halitosis is becoming an increasingly popular question in dental offices. Your dentist can help you to find the cause of your halitosis and rid you of the mystery of this social dilemma.