Halitosis (bad breath)

Halitosis appears as bad breath in the mouth cavity and is present in 25% of the world’s population.  This condition can affect self-esteem, cause embarrassment and in some cases anxiety, even though in most cases it is easy to treat.

The most common cause of Halitosis is bad oral hygiene.  After decay and gum disease, this is the third most common problem that people visit dentists for.

With proper hygiene habits, Halitosis can be treated easily.

Cause of Halitosis

• Tobacco- the products of tobacco cause bad odours in the mouth, as well as gum disease.
• Food- food remnants lodged between the teeth leave a bad odour in the mouth.
• Dry mouth- saliva naturally maintains a clean mouth.  Unless the mouth is naturally dry, or there is decreased saliva due to illness, eg: Xerostomia, bad oral odour can become more pronounced.
• Oral hygiene- correct brushing and use of dental flossing rids the mouth of food and dental plaque. In instances when brushing and flossing is not adequate, then dental plaque forms embedded in the area between the teeth and gingiva (periodontitis), which results in an intense and unpleasant odour.
• Removable, partial or total prosthesis which are not cleaned regularly and adequately, can also cause Halitosis.
• Diets-hunger and low intake of carbohydrates in food, can form ketones, which have a strong odour and can cause Halitosis.
• Medication-some medication can affect the production of saliva (eg: medication for calmness, distress) as well as an increased intake of vitamins and supplements can cause Halitosis.
• Bacterial infections-localised in the nasal and mouth cavities, tonsilitis can cause Halitosis.
• Illnesses-some metabolic illnesses of the liver can cause a bad odour in the mouth.

Prevention and treatment of Halitosis

• Brushing of the teeth- correct brushing of the teeth twice a day, recommended after each meal.  Brushing of the teeth cleans 60% of the surface of the teeth.
• Use of dental floss- use of dental floss enables the removal of dental plaque and remnants of food between the teeth. Using dental floss cleans 40% of the surface of the teeth.
• Clean prosthetics-all prosthetics which are used in the mouth, must be cleaned, including total and partial prosthetics, bridges, mouthguards used for treating Bruxism.
• Clean tongue-bacteria and food remnants can lodge in the tongue.  Cleaning of the tongue is also recommended.
• Avoid dry mouth- do not consume too much water throughout the day and avoid alcohol and cigarettes.
• Gum for chewing, preferably without sugar so the saliva can be stimulated and can keep the mouth clean.
• Diet- avoid onion, very spicy foods, and products with sugar.  Reduction of caffeine, consumption of raw foods also assists with maintaining a clean mouth cavity.

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