Halitosis is chronic bad breath that does not go away with brushing and flossing. Many people experience occasional bad breath because of foods or beverages, and even when waking up in the morning. Occasional bad breath is not a big deal and is generally resolved with oral hygiene. Halitosis, however, can be a symptom of something more serious and should be addressed by your dentist as soon as possible. If your dentist is unable to pinpoint the cause, they may send you to your general doctor for further evaluation to identify any possible underlying health conditions.

What is halitosis?

Halitosis is the clinical term for chronic bad breath. The most common cause of halitosis is gum disease, resulting from poor oral hygiene. When plaque is not removed regularly, it will calcify into tartar, which cannot be removed by brushing and flossing. Tartar will sit in the gum pockets between the gum tissue and the surface of the tooth and can build up and hold onto bacteria, causing an infection and halitosis. When infected, the gum tissue will begin to recede from the tooth surface, exposing the underlying tooth roots, which can be very painful.

Some medical conditions can cause bad breath, such as diabetes, gastrointestinal issues, acid reflux, and even liver disease. There are also medications that can lead to dry mouth or simply cause bad breath because of the way they break down and metabolize. Dry mouth causes bad breath because the saliva that we produce helps to regularly remove food particles and bacteria. The decrease in saliva production allows those particles and bacteria to become trapped, causing bad breath and eventually tooth decay.

Other causes of halitosis are ear, nose, and throat infections. Sinus infections cause an overproduction of mucus, which is a breeding ground for bacteria, and the postnasal drip that usually accompanies sinus infections, allergies, or other illnesses causes bad breath and a bad taste in the mouth. Halitosis from these types of ailments usually resolves once the infection is cleared up.

Another thing that can have an impact on breath is diet and lifestyle habits. Patients who consume a lot of alcohol or coffee, and those who use tobacco products, do tend to have trouble with bad breath on a more chronic basis. Those who adhere to certain diets may also have chronic bad breath, such as a high-sugar, high-protein, or even a low-carbohydrate diet.

How is halitosis treated?

Treatment for halitosis will be dependent on the cause of your specific case. If you have an underlying medical condition, halitosis will not be resolved until the medical condition is treated. Even after treatment, you may still need to see your dentist for oral care to eradicate any lingering halitosis.

If your chronic bad breath is due to periodontal disease, your dentist will likely recommend a deep cleaning, or scaling and root planing, to clear out tartar and bacteria. Patients with gum disease typically need to have their teeth professionally cleaned more frequently than the standard two times a year. This will ensure that your teeth and gums stay healthy and prevent gum disease and halitosis in the future.

If you are experiencing new, chronic bad breath, speak with your dentist as soon as possible. If the cause of your halitosis is oral health-related, they can begin treatment. If they do not find any issues in your mouth, they may recommend that you see your general doctor for further evaluation.

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