Causes Of Halitosis

Although it is often the basis for many jokes, Halitosis is not only an embarrassing condition but may potentially be the evidence of a bigger problem in the human body. People who suffer with halitosis need to discover what the problem is and get treatment appropriate for their situation. This condition should not be ignored but should be carefully looked at.

Oral Hygiene

Many people believe that halitosis or bad breath is simply caused by poor oral hygiene and this may be the case. Some people with bad breath simply do not take care of their mouth or teeth. Every person needs to understand that teeth and mouth need to be cared for and cleaned frequently to prevent not only bad breath but other problems as well. Old food particles, bacteria, yeast, plaque and other disgusting things in the mouth will all contribute to halitosis and need to be eliminated by careful cleaning and treatment. This is something each and every person can do without the help of a doctor, dentist or other professional.

Tooth Decay And Oral Infections

Another common cause of halitosis is tooth decay or other oral infections. A person with good oral hygiene that still finds they have a problem with bad breath should make an appointment with their dentist to check for possible causes in the mouth and teeth. The dentist can help take care of problems with the teeth, gums and other oral areas. If the dentist does not find a problem causing the bad breath they will probably refer the patient to a medical doctor.

Medical Causes Of Halitosis

There are many medical conditions that can cause Halitosis. It may be as simple as a person's dietary intake or may be something more severe. A person with chronic Halitosis should see a doctor to make sure there is not an underlying medical condition that requires treatment. A doctor will be able to perform and order tests to rule out many of the causes of Halitosis.

Sometimes a medication may have the side effect of causing Halitosis. In this case a doctor can quickly determine the cause and can offer suggestions for getting the problem under control. Doctors are well aware of the fact that bad breath is not always a matter of poor hygiene and will be very understanding in helping a person to deal with the situation. It will be a great relief for both the person with the bad breath and those that have frequent contact with them to have the problem solved.