Bad breath, medically called Halitosis can result from poor dental health or maybe a sign of other health problems too.

Common Causes Of Bad Breath:

Oral Reasons for Bad Breath:

If proper oral hygiene is not being exercised by brushing, flossing, and mouth rinsing, food particles tend to remain in the mouth promoting bacterial growth around the teeth, over the gums, and on the tongue which causes bad breath.

However persistent bad breath should be given attention as it could be a sign of gum (periodontal) disease. 

Bad Breath and Gum Disease (Periodontitis):

The plaque that builds over the gums and around the teeth is bacterial buildup. These plaque and calculus release toxins that cause gingival inflammation. The accumulated calculus pushes away the gums leading to gum recession and bone loss. 

These gums and the jaw bone serve as holding structures for the tooth. Long-time persistent inflammation of the gums deteriorates its health and that of the bone leading to the mobility of teeth.

Other dental causes of bad breath include poorly fitting dental appliances, yeast infections of the mouth, and dental caries (cavities). 

Medical condition of dry mouth (also called xerostomia): Saliva is necessary to moisten the mouth, neutralize acids produced by plaque, and wash away dead cells that accumulate on the tongue, gums, and cheeks. If not removed, these cells decompose and can cause bad breath. Dry mouth may be a side effect of various medications, salivary gland problems, or continuous breathing through the mouth.

Ruling Out the Cause:

Ruling out the cause for Halitosis plays a key role when it comes to treating it as there could be one or more factors contributing to it. 

Treatment: Treatment of bad breath from poor oral health is easy and gives a 99% prognosis when treated at early stages.

Prophylactic measures like Scaling and Polishing largely reduces bleeding of gums, eliminates plaque and calculus, and thereby eliminates bad breathing. In certain conditions wherein the gums and jawbone are affected, extensive gum treatment will be required to eliminate the bacterial lining along the gums and the infected tissue. 

Usually, such patients have mobility (shaking) of teeth which also get stabilized after the gum treatment.

Prophylaxis: Carrying out oral care routine of-

  • Brushing twice a day 
  • Using of mouth rinse
  • Flossing

Largely reduces the occurrence of Halitosis as well as maintains oral health post gum treatment.

Consult your dentist at the earliest as good oral health is a gateway to great general health.