What Causes Bad Breath (Halitosis)?

More than 40-million Americans suffer from bad breath. It's a condition that can present both a social and professional handicap. While those experiencing this medical condition spend billions on over-the-counter remedies, few are aware of the effective treatments offered by dental professionals.

Up to 90 percent of bad breath is caused by volatile sulfur compounds produced by oral bacteria. These compounds may be found even in the healthiest of mouths. One form of halitosis is caused by foods we eat. Fortunately, you can temporarily treat this form of halitosis with thorough brushing, flossing and rinsing.


Other causes of halitosis may require professional intervention. Today's dentists, however, use the latest in diagnostic methods to identify your particular cause of bad breath and offer a remedy.

Volatile sulfur compounds
VSC is the main source of bad breath. When you eat, oral bacteria and enzymes begin breaking down the food particles. This creates by-products containing VSCs, which smell like rotten eggs. These compounds grow primarily at the rougher back-end of the tongue.


Periodontal (gum) and gingival disease
Gum disease may pull your teeth away from gum tissues and form pockets. Only a professional periodontal cleaning can remove the deep pockets of bacteria and plaque that accumulate. Some cases may require further treatment.

Plaque
A mouth with an extensive build-up of plaque may require a special, antimicrobial mouth rinse. You also may need to brush your tongue after brushing your teeth.


Xerostomia, or Dry Mouth
Mouth dryness is caused by a decrease in saliva, which helps with natural cleansing of odor-causing bacteria in the mouth. Bacteria grow more rapidly when salivary flow decreases. Chronic dry mouth may be caused by some medications or by a disorder of the salivary glands. Very dry mouth may be managed with artificial saliva. Drinking more fluids also helps.

Systemic Diseases


Bad breath may be a sign of such medical disorders as an infection of the respiratory tract (including nose throat, windpipe and lungs), postnasal drip, chronic sinusitis, chronic bronchitis, diabetes, liver or kidney ailment, and such gastrointestinal disturbances as reflux, indigestion or hiatal hernia. If any of these disorders are the possible cause of your halitosis, your dentist may suggest you see your physician for a complete physical examination to rule out any medical condition.

Tobacco Products
The primary remedy for bad breath caused by smoking tobacco products is to stop smoking.

Hormonal increases


Because hormones increase the proteins in saliva, women may suffer halitosis several days out of the month.