Bad breath, or halitosis, is usually the result of poor oral hygiene, but not always. It can also occur because of dry mouth, acid reflux, a number of other health conditions, or even a disease in another part of your body. Treating halitosis depends on what is causing you to have bad breath. A good place to start is a visit to your dentist.
What Are the Causes of Bad Breath?
Good oral hygiene—daily brushing, flossing, brushing your tongue or using a tongue scraper, and regular dental cleanings—is essential for preventing harmful bacteria that can collect in your mouth. Proper care will help prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath.
Some causes of bad breath can be relatively minor, but you should still seek treatment if you have any of the following conditions:
- Dry Mouth. Not having enough saliva to help cleanse your mouth can cause bad breath. Drink plenty of water to avoid having a dry mouth.
- Gum Disease. Bacteria, called plaque, build up on your teeth, and the result can be gingivitis. Untreated gingivitis can lead to periodontitis, a serious gum disease.
- Tonsil Stones. Food that becomes stuck in your tonsils can sometimes harden into calcium deposits in the back of your throat. Practicing good oral hygiene usually helps, but in some cases may require medical intervention.
- Sinus and Respiratory Infections. Colds, strep throat, and bronchitis occur when bacteria move from your nose into your throat, which can cause bad breath. Treatments include over-the-counter remedies or antibiotics. Pneumonia, which is treated with antibiotics, can cause you to cough up fluid that smells bad.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when acid from your stomach flows backward into your esophagus and sometimes your mouth. Treatment for GERD is usually over-the-counter antacids, but you may need prescription medication.
Your Bad Breath Might Be Serious
Other, more serious conditions—diabetes, head and neck cancers, kidney and liver disease, or bowel obstruction—may include bad breath as an early sign of problem health. These severe issues can be fatal, so it is critical that you seek immediate care if you experience symptoms.
Bad breath resulting from more serious health issues can be most unpleasant, often smelling like fish or rotten eggs. Odors can also be fruity or sweet.
If you smoke or use tobacco, you probably have bad breath and possibly more advanced dental issues. You should make every effort to quit, including seeking more advanced help if you cannot stop on your own.
How Do Dentists and Doctors Diagnose Bad Breath?
Your dentist will smell your breath and conduct an oral examination to diagnose the issue causing your bad breath. If your diagnosis is gum disease, your dentist will refer you to a periodontist, a gum disease specialist. If your problem is not related to your teeth or gums, your primary care provider can help determine a possible cause.
How Do I Know If I Have Bad Breath?
Everyone has bad breath at one time or another, especially after eating certain foods, such as garlic, onions, or other strong-flavored or spicy foods. One reliable test is the taste sensation you have in your mouth. If you have a bad or unpleasant taste in your mouth, it is likely you have bad breath, and others will be able to smell it.
But if you have bad breath (chronic halitosis) most of the time, it could be a more serious health issue. See your dentist or primary healthcare provider if your bad breath does not improve despite changes you have made in your oral care routine or lifestyle choices.