Dental Talk Thursday | Halitosis aka Bad Breath

Dental Talk Thursday | Halitosis aka Bad Breath

For this weeks Dental Talk Thursday we are going to be talking about something else no one wants, halitosis aka bad breath.

It happens and there are SO many things that can cause it. Things such as poor oral hygiene, not brushing your tongue, debris on dentures, severe gum disease, xerostomia aka dry mouth, or even a throat, lung, or sinus infection can all be culprits.

Smoking is an obvious cause but even some of the things you eat and drink can cause it such as onions, garlic, coffee, and alcohol.

Overall, about 75% of halitosis is caused by the mouth itself.

Additionally, foods such as onions and garlic, beverages like coffee and alcohol, and smoking can also cause it. If you think it's coming from your diet, it's not a bad idea to contact a dietician for some help.

If you have poor oral hygiene, chances are you are suffering from some form of gum disease. Your dental hygienist can help you with your home care routine to help prevent the halitosis from happening. One of the biggest things to always remember to do is to brush your tongue because the bacteria causing the bad breath most likely will be there.

If the cause is from some type of infection you will need to see your physician or maybe even a specialist.

There are tons of people who suffer from dry mouth due to the medications they're taking, salivary gland dysfunction and those going through radiation or chemotherapy treatment for cancer therapy. It's never a bad idea to consult your doctor about your concerns with dry mouth so you can get their professional recommendations for prescription or over-the-counter products to alleviate the symptoms.

While it's not always the most comfortable conversation to have, it is important to talk to your dental or medical professional about so that you can receive the help you need.

- Rachel Faul, Registered Dental Hygienist