By Barbara Pierce
Bad breath, or what is referred to as halitosis, can have many causes and forms. The condition ranges from poor oral hygiene such as plaque and food debris to gum disease, dry mouth, gastrointestinal issues and smoking.
“A dental visit can be the start of finding the cause of your bad breath,” said dentist Nassery Assery, a board-certified periodontology and assistant professor at the University of Rochester Medical Center. “A dental exam to check teeth, gums and tongue can help identify if the issue is from the oral cavity.”
Assery answered five questions concerning bad breath.
1. Importance of dental hygiene and oral care
Oral hygiene and dental care are crucial for the prevention of bad breath. Brushing twice daily, tongue scraping, daily flossing to remove deposits between the teeth and regular professional visits and cleanings to prevent plaque buildup can help maintain a healthy smile and fresh breath.
“The dentist can also review your medical history and advise or refer you to another dental or medical specialist who can help diagnose and treat the cause,” said Assery. “Some patients may need additional testing by their health professional to check if there are any contributing medical conditions affecting their breath.”
Regular dental visits help catch problems early and allow for timely treatment. Seeing the dentist every six months is usually recommended for most people at low risk for cavities or gum disease. Those with a higher risk may benefit from visits every three to four months. Your dentist will determine the ideal schedule based on your individual needs, helping to prevent minor issues from turning into more serious problems.
2. It may be a sign of underlying medical conditions
Bad breath can indicate many other medical problems. Dentists have found patients with infections in their respiratory tracts, including sinusitis or bronchial infections causing foul odors.
“Certain medical conditions can worsen or contribute to bad breath, including but not limited to gastroesophageal reflux, tonsil stones, throat infections and uncontrolled diabetes,” said Assery.
3. Medications can contribute to bad breath
Certain medications can contribute to bad breath through various mechanisms. Many medications, including antihistamines, antidepressants and blood pressure medications, can reduce saliva production. Saliva is essential for keeping the mouth moist and washing away food particles and bacteria. Some medications can change taste perceptions or alter the sense of smell, which can affect how odors are perceived and contribute to bad breath. Medications that contain sulfur compounds or other odor-producing ingredients can lead to foul-smelling breath.
“Medications can contribute to bad breath primarily by causing dry mouth, which reduces the natural cleansing action of saliva. These include some antidepressants, anxiolytics and blood pressure medications,” Assery added.
4. The good news: Bad breath is treatable
Treatment for bad breath focuses on addressing the underlying cause, including gum disease, dry mouth or throat and nose issues. Professional dental cleanings and improved oral hygiene practices, such as tongue scraping and flossing, are essential.
“Managing dry mouth through proper hydration, sugar-free lozenges or saliva substitutes when indicated can also be helpful. A medical referral may be necessary when systemic diseases are suspected,” said Nassary.
5. Avoid certain foods
Certain foods, including garlic, onions, spices and coffee, are well-known for contributing to bad breath. Habits like smoking, chewing tobacco, poor oral hygiene and reduced water intake can also worsen bad breath.
“Some high-protein, low-carbohydrate diets may also lead to “ketone breath,” he said. “Preventing bad breath involves staying well-hydrated, avoiding tobacco and strong-smelling foods and stimulating saliva by chewing sugar-free gum. Regular tongue scraping, managing underlying medical conditions and using alcohol-free mouthwash when needed can also help keep breath fresh.”