Breath Malodor

  We’ve all smelled it and try to avoid it.  Bad breath is a topic that everyone experiences from time to time and nobody likes to talk about it! Halitosis (breath malodor) is caused by a variety of things ranging from foods to medical conditions.  Foods such as garlic and onions are absorbed in the bloodstream and are expelled through the lungs.  The odor often remains until the body eliminates the food entirely.  Brushing and flossing will only help temporarily in this situation.  Another possible source of bad breath is from bacteria that lurk in particles of food and plaque retained around the teeth. Good oral hygiene including brushing your teeth and tongue, flossing, and mouthwashes will stave off the odor from this source.   Medications also play a role in the development of bad breath.  Many drugs cause a reduction in saliva output which results in dry mouth.  Less saliva means less help to remove food particles because there is less liquid to wash away the food and bacteria that are stuck to your teeth.   You may develop a heavy coating of plaque that is teeming with bacteria.  Excellent oral hygiene is essential for patients on many medications. 

  Bad breath is also a sign of medical disorders such as respiratory infections, chronic bronchitis, diabetes, liver or kidney ailments.  If your dentist determines your mouth is healthy and is maintained with good hygiene, you may be referred to your family doctor for a consultation.  The bottom line: if someone tells you that you have bad breath, ask your dentist about it and don’t get offended.  They may be assisting you in discovering a previously undiagnosed medical or dental condition.  

–Authored by Eric Hogan, DDS