Halitosis: An unpleasant odor from the mouth, commonly referred to as bad breath. Halitosis can be caused by the consumption of certain foods, poor oral hygiene, alcohol or tobacco use, dry mouth, or by certain chronic medical conditions. Drug Categories Drugs & Medications Pill Identification Tool Vitamins, Herbs, & Dietary Supplements Dictionary RxList About Us Consumer Contact RxList Terms of Use Privacy Policy Sponsor Policy
Some people are born with a poor sense of smell or taste. Upper respiratory infections are blamed for some losses, and injury to the head can also cause smell or taste problems.
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Poor dental hygieneLack of saliva in the mouthPoor lifestyle choices such as smoking and alcohol
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Halitosis can also be caused by factors outside of the oral cavity, which are referred to as extraoral causes. While less common than intraoral causes, there are a number of non-oral diseases that can trigger bad breath.The following are some of the most common extraoral causes of halitosis:
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Accumulation of food debris in the oral cavityDental malpositionsPeriodontal diseases, such as gingivitis or periodontitisPhlegmonTooth decayFixed dentures or orthodontic appliancesXerostomia, commonly known as dry mouthIngestion of coffee, alcohol and tobacco
In addition to causing bad breath, smoking can also lead to other oral health issues such as gum disease and oral cancer. Quitting smoking is the best way to improve your oral health and maintain fresh breath. If you need help quitting, there are various resources available, such as support groups and nicotine replacement therapies.
Remember to gargle with salt water and practice good oral hygiene to prevent tonsil stones from forming. Small tonsil stones can be removed at home, but if you have large tonsil stones or are experiencing severe symptoms, it's best to see a doctor for proper treatment.
If your dentist has ruled out any oral problems that might cause a chronic bad breath, it is best to see you doctor for an evaluation too. This may indicate infection somewhere else in your body and can be a sign of a range of conditions like diabetes, strep throat, tonsilitis, respiratory tract infections, bronchitis, chronic sinusitis, HIV, digestive system ailments such as ref-lux or liver and kidney problems.
Bad breath (halitosis) can be caused by a variety of things, including diet, medication, poor oral hygiene, and diseases or conditions such as diabetes, GERD, lactose intolerance, gum disease, and more. Treatment for bad breath depends on the cause.
Breath tests can help determine the presence and severity of halitosis. These tests measure the levels of volatile sulfur compounds in the breath, which can indicate the presence of tonsil stones or other causes of bad breath.
It is important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate medical treatment for tonsil stones and halitosis.
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How to Detect and Diagnose Halitosis Symptoms
Loss of smell and taste may result from polyps in the nasal or sinus cavities, hormonal disturbances, or dental problems. They can also be caused by prolonged exposure to certain chemicals such as insecticides, and by some medicines.
Dentures that are not cleaned correctly may be collecting bacteria, fungi, and remaining food particles. All of these cause bad breath.