Bad breath happens to everyone. In fact, studies show that nearly 50% of adults in the United States experience bad breath, or halitosis, regularly. The good news is that in most cases, bad breath is preventable. Below, we provide more information on what halitosis is, what the symptoms are, and some of the best ways to prevent it.
Overview of Halitosis
Halitosis is the technical term for when your breath develops a bad or foul smell. While bad breath is common and usually not a cause for concern, it can be embarrassing and cause anxiety. In minor cases, halitosis is caused by certain foods, specific diets, or the need for a good dental cleaning. But if halitosis is recurring or chronic, there may be another, more serious medical condition causing it. If you can't fix bad breath on your own, the next best step is to schedule an appointment to see your dentist or another healthcare provider to identify the root of the problem.
What are the Symptoms of Halitosis?
There are many types of bad breath with different, distinct odors. The odor will vary depending on the cause. While it can be difficult to identify if you have halitosis and what it smells like to others, you can ask a close friend or relative to help you.
What Causes Bad Breath?
There are many common causes of bad breath. Here are a few of the most common:
- Bacteria in the mouth
- Dry mouth and lack of saliva production
- Gum disease
- Flavorful foods
- Smoking and tobacco use
- Medical conditions and/or prescription medications
What are Some Ways to Treat Bad Breath?
Most cases of bad breath are treatable without needing professional help. Here are some tips on how you can try to treat bad breath on your own:
- Improve your oral hygiene with daily brushing and flossing: Improving your daily oral hygiene will help you get rid of any buildup of bacteria in your mouth that’s causing bad breath.
- Mouthwash: Over-the-counter mouthwash is a good tool to help kill bacteria in the mouth and reduce odors.
- Increase your saliva production: Staying hydrated, trying to eat healthy foods that require a lot of chewing, like carrots or apples, and reducing coffee will help you to increase the saliva in your mouth, which helps eliminate dry mouth and bacteria that may be causing bad breath.
- Quit smoking and avoid excess alcohol: Smoking is harmful for your body in many ways, one of which is that it causes damage to your teeth and gums. Smoking, tobacco use, and alcohol all contribute to bad breath.
When Should I See a Doctor?
If you have bad breath and you have tried many of the tips above and still notice that your bad breath is frequent or constant, it may be a good time to schedule a visit to see your dentist. Your dentist will perform a routine exam, schedule you for a cleaning, and help you identify if the problem is related to your oral health or something more serious that needs the attention of another healthcare professional. Either way, a dentist is a great place to start treating your bad breath.