You may need to see an oral specialist (periodontist) for treatment or your primary healthcare provider depending on the cause.
Americans spend more than $1 billion a year on over the counter halitosis products, many of which are ineffective because they only mask the problem.
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Here are some of the causes of bad breath, so you can be more confident when you show your smile.
It's wise to brush those gnashers regularly to avoid whiffy breath, even if you're a hippo at London Zoo (Credit: Getty Images)
The role of oral hygiene in halitosis prevention
In turn, we can divide the causes of halitosis or bad breath into two categories: Non-pathological and pathological.
Conclusion
Bleeding or dry sockets after extractions (like wisdom tooth removal) can cause bad breath until the wound heals. An infection from a dental implant can also cause bad breath, thus, good oral hygiene is crucial to prevent unpleasant complications.
Smoking is not only harmful to overall health but also contributes to bad breath from the throat. The chemicals in cigarettes can dry out the mouth, reducing saliva production and creating an environment for bacteria to thrive. Additionally, smoking can leave a lingering odor on the breath that is difficult to mask.
By maintaining good oral hygiene and making healthy lifestyle choices, individuals can improve their overall oral health and prevent bad breath.
When to see a dentist or doctor about bad breath
What is halitosis and what causes it?
A diet high in sugar can cause bad breath because of how sugars interact with bacteria that’s already in your mouth. These bacteria feed on sugars to cause bad breath.
There are a few health conditions outside the mouth that can contribute to bad breath. Because dental problems are far more likely to be the culprit, we always rule them out first. If your dentist rules out any dental problems as the source of your bad breath, you then likely need to look outside the mouth.
The condition needs urgent medical attention as it can also be one of the symptoms of salivary glands-related diseases.
There are also small monitors available which can detect certain gases, but the limitation here is that it only includes some gases and not others. Finally ‘gas chromatography’ – a technique to separate complex mixtures of gases – can measure the quantity of sulphur in the air, but involves specialised equipment that you won’t find in many doctors’ offices.
Halitosis, commonly known as bad breath, is a condition characterized by an unpleasant odor coming from the mouth. It can be embarrassing and affect one's self-confidence. Bad breath can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor oral hygiene, certain foods and drinks, smoking, dry mouth, and underlying medical conditions. Symptoms of halitosis may include a persistent bad taste or odor in the mouth, dry mouth, and a white or yellow coating on the tongue.