About this topic
Bad breath is also known as halitosis. You may have an unpleasant odor in your mouth. Most often this odor goes away after you brush your teeth or rinse your mouth with mouthwash. If this does not go away, then it could be a sign of some other health problem. ‚
What are the causes?
Most often, bad breath is caused by germs in your mouth breaking down bits of food. Other things can also cause bad breath. Some of them are: ‚
- Strongly flavored foods or drinks
- Poor mouth care or gum disease
- Dry mouth
- Infection in the mouth
- Tobacco or cigarette smoking
- Taking certain drugs
- Other diseases and illnesses, including:
- Colds
- Sinus infections
- Lung infections
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease
- Reflux
- Diabetes
What are the main signs?
- Bad odor coming from your mouth
- White coating on the tongue
- Dry mouth
- Buildup of plaque around teeth
- Morning bad breath
- Bitter and sour metallic taste
- Thick saliva
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
The doctor or dentist will take your history and do an exam. Your doctor will check your mouth and teeth for signs of problems. Your doctor may also feel your jaw, neck, and throat for swollen lymph nodes. You may need to have more tests to find the cause of your bad breath. Your doctor may order: ‚
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
Your care will be based on the cause of your bad breath. You may need to have: ‚
- Changes to your lifestyle
- Drugs
- Dental procedures
Are there other health problems to treat?
You will need more care if some other health problem is causing your bad breath. ‚
What lifestyle changes are needed?
- Brush your teeth after each meal. Be sure to brush your tongue as well.
- Use dental floss each day. This will help get rid of small food pieces between your teeth.
- Rinse your mouth with mouthwash often. Use the kind without alcohol in it to avoid drying out the mouth.
- If you cant get to a toothbrush, chew sugar-free gum.
- Chew fresh parsley or mint to help freshen up your breath.
- Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water each day.
- Eat a healthy diet. Try to stay away from foods and drinks that are high in sugar and starch, such as chocolate, sweets, cakes, and drinks that have sugar. Fresh fruit such as apples can help get rid of bacteria by increasing the amount of saliva in your mouth.
What drugs may be needed?
Your doctor may order drugs if there is a health condition causing your bad breath. ‚
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Brush your teeth after every meal or at least 2 times a day. Do not rush when you brush and spend 2 full minutes cleaning all of your teeth. Use a toothpaste with fluoride.
- Use dental floss to clean between your teeth at least every day.
- Try to stay away from foods and drinks that are high in sugar and starch, such as chocolate, sweets, cakes, and fizzy drinks that have sugar.
- See your dentist for regular cleaning and checkups.
- If you have dentures, clean them well every night when you remove them. Do not use toothpaste to clean them as this can cause scratches where stains can occur.
Helpful tips
If you are unsure if you have bad breath, try this test. Lick the inside of your wrist. Let it dry for a few seconds. Smell your wrist. If it smells bad, your breath probably does too. ‚
Where can I learn more?
American Dental Association ‚
http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/b/bad-breath.aspx ‚
Better Health Channel ‚
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Halitosis_or_bad_breath ‚
FamilyDoctor.org ‚
http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/halitosis.printerview.all.html ‚
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bad-breath/pages/introduction.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚