BAD BREATH

Bad breath (halitosis) may be caused from many things. The most common is poor oral hygiene that leaves food lodged between the teeth. Poor oral hygiene can also lead to other causes of halitosis such as gum disease and tooth decay.

Other causes of bad breath include:

eating foods such as garlic or onions
using tobacco products
taking certain medications
a decrease in the flow of saliva in your mouth
irregular eating habits
medical problems such as respiratory infection, local infection in mouth, chronic bronchitis, diabetes, gastric problems, or kidney failure

If the dentist has determined that your bad breath is not caused by dental factors, he may refer you to your healthcare provider.

However, for most people, the following will eliminate bad breath:

scheduling regular visits to your dentist and dental hygienist for checkups and cleanings
brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste
brushing or scraping your tongue to remove odor-causing bacteria
flossing once a day and using a water pick to help remove particles of food if helpful
removing dentures at night to clean them thoroughly before placing them back into your mouth
using a fluoride mouth rinse to help prevent tooth decay

If you have bad breath, check with your dentist or healthcare provider. A dentist can prescribe a treatment plan to correct this common problem.

For more information, contact the American Dental Association at (800) 621-8099.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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