What Is Halitosis? Bad Breath Causes, Ways To Treat It, & Prevention

Avoid Chronic Bad Breath By Following These Recommendations

Halitosis (aka chronic bad breath) is something everyone’s afraid of because there’s not an easy way to solve it. Neither mouthwash nor daily brushing can heal it, but there are some things to treat it and keep it under control.

Unlike “morning breath” or a strong smell after eating garlic, halitosis lasts for a long time and may indicate something more serious in your mouth. 

Before visiting an Arrowhead Arizona dentist, let’s take a look at some of its causes and treatments. 

What Exactly Is Halitosis?

Bad breath is the result of bacterial buildup in the mouth or between the teeth. It’s common to have bad breath, especially when eating flavorful food, but there’s a difference with halitosis.

Halitosis is a disease that remains for a long time. It’s usually related to food debris around the gums and tongue that triggers the growth of bacteria. This problem is also related to periodontal disease, cavities, and nasal problems (such as sinusitis). 

Contrary to common bad breath, halitosis does not disappear that easily after brushing your teeth or flossing. 

Why Does Halitosis Occur?

Since it is a problem with oral origin, it has many causes. Plus, it can also be related to nasal problems.

Furthermore, there are more than 80 causes that lead to halitosis. They can be classified in different ways depending on their intensity, frequency, clinical relevance, or the need for treatment. Here are some of them:

Dental Problems

Cavities or caries are common when having halitosis. Besides, they are related to gum diseases. A Glendale dentist can help you with this issue, as it may be complicated to clear out these bacteria with mouth washing or teeth-brushing. 

Many of these dental problems are due to poor oral hygiene. Poor oral hygiene increases the whitish dirt on the tongue (tongue coating) and dental tartar. Both contribute a lot to the appearance of bad breath.

Problems With The Respiratory System, Including Throat Infections

Mouth, nose, and throat infections can lead to postnasal drip, which can also contribute to halitosis. That’s because bacteria feed on mucus your body produces when it’s struggling with things like a sinus infection. As a result, your mouth ends up with a stinky breath. 

Several diseases of the respiratory system can influence bad breath, including:

• Rhinosinusitis: Inflammation of the paranasal sinuses and the mucosa of the nose.
• Rhinorrhea: Constant runny nose.
• Adenoiditis: Swelling of the adenoids
• Tonsillitis: Swelling tonsils.
• Bronchitis: Abnormal dilatation of the bronchial tree.

These are only some of the most common diseases, but there may be more. 

If you think your bad breath is due to any of these conditions, don’t hesitate to visit an otolaryngologist first for a better diagnosis. After that, visit a dental clinic in North Phoenix to get the best treatment for your halitosis. 

Dry Mouth 

Did you know that halitosis can be related to saliva as well? Saliva is important for your dental health. It rinses and removes leftovers from your mouth, and it provides disease-fighting elements to prevent infections. However, if you don’t make enough saliva, then there won’t be strong defenses, so you may suffer from halitosis as a result.

You can suffer from dry mouth because of medications, alcohol use, tobacco, or even excessive caffeine. The best you can do is to notice your lifestyle habits to see if you can change them for good (for example, drinking more water). 

Smoking

As we said before, smoking can influence your oral health, increasing the risk of bad breath. Tobacco products wreak havoc on your body because they leave their odor on your breath while also drying out your mouth. Besides, smokers are more likely to develop cavities and gum disease. 

Other Health Conditions

Gastric reflux, diabetes, kidney disease, and other diseases can also cause halitosis. 

If you suffer from gastritis or something similar, talk to your doctor before visiting a Peoria dentist, especially if you have other symptoms like a stomach ache.

How To Prevent Halitosis

The most important thing to avoid halitosis is to maintain good oral hygiene. This includes brushing your teeth and rinsing your mouth.

You can also follow these recommendations:

• Avoid foods with excessive condiments.
• Quit smoking.
• Avoid drinking too much coffee and alcohol.
• Avoid high-protein and low-calorie diets.
• Drink a lot of water.
• Always try to breathe through your nose.
• Do not bite your nails.

Aesthetic Dentistry of Arrowhead Treatments

If you feel your breath is different from usual, start a healthy daily routine. Brush your teeth at least twice a day (for two minutes minimum) using fluoride toothpaste. Do not forget to floss at least once a day and use mouthwash twice a day. 

Also, drink plenty of water and cut back on caffeine to keep your mouth hydrated. 

If you notice your bad breath remains the same after all that, then check in with your dentist. 

Contact a Top-Rated Arrowhead Arizona Dentist

Do you want to increase your dental health? Whether you are stressed about bad breath or cavities, contact Aesthetic Dentistry of Arrowhead to receive the best treatment for you. 

We offer numerous dental services, including braces, veneers, implants, cleanings, whitening, and dentures (among others). Contact us now for more information!