Chronic bad breath?
Bad breath, also called halitosis, can be embarrassing and, in some cases, may even cause anxiety. It’s no wonder that store shelves are overflowing with gum, mints, mouthwashes, and other products designed to fight bad breath. But many of these products are only temporary measures because they don’t address the causes of chronic bad breath.
The most common causes of chronic bad breath are:
Certain foods, health conditions, and habits are among the causes of bad breath. In many cases, you can improve your bad breath with consistent, proper dental hygiene. If simple self-care techniques don’t solve the problem, see your dentist or physician. Eating smelly foods such as garlic or onions can leave a smell on your breath.
Tobacco use! Smoking, chewing tobacco, and using snuff can stain the teeth and may cause bad breath. Also, chemicals in tobacco or tobacco smoke irritate the gums or throat, which can lead to dry mouth (see “Other causes of chronic bad breath”).
Stomach problems! Chronic bad breath caused by something you ate can result from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)—heartburn that occurs when stomach acid backs up into your food pipe. This type of reflux isn’t related to eating habits but happens at night while sleeping when bodily functions are slower. GERD may also indicate a more serious condition, such as cancer of the esophagus. People with diabetes are at increased risk of developing gum disease, which may cause bad breath.
Hormonal Changes! Certain hormonal fluctuations that occur during menstruation or pregnancy can affect the body’s metabolic rate, including those responsible for breaking down odors in the mouth and throat. Sinus and lung infections, as well as chronic respiratory conditions such as bronchitis and emphysema, may also cause chronic bad breath.
Systemic illnesses! Chronic bad breath may also signal a more serious condition, such as kidney failure, liver disease, or diabetes. If you have chronic bad breath along with other signs and symptoms of illness, consult your doctor.
How does bad breath occur?
Bad breath is caused by chemical compounds produced by bacteria in the mouth; these are known as volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs), which include methyl mercaptan, hydrogen sulfide, and dimethyl sulfide. These VSCs, which also contribute to bad “morning” breath, are released when the anaerobic (non-oxygen-utilizing) bacteria that live on the back of the tongue and other areas in your mouth break down proteins. [NOTE: The VSCs travel through the bloodstream to the lungs.]
People with chronic bad breath usually have high concentrations of these bacteria and/or a dry mouth, which is caused by medication, Sjogren’s syndrome, or, as we age, a natural decrease in the amount of saliva.
Other causes of chronic bad breath:
A dry mouth can lead to chronic bad breath because saliva helps cleanse the mouth and prevent the growth of odor-causing bacteria on the tongue and in the throat. This is often due to aging, stress, some medications (including antihistamines and antidepressants), or Sjogren’s syndrome, an autoimmune disorder that attacks moisture-producing glands throughout the body.
Saliva substitutes are available over-the-counter to moisturize your mouth if you suffer from xerostomia or dry mouth. Some people have bad breath only when they are on a certain side of the mouth. When you lie down after eating, food can get trapped next to your lower teeth and cause chronic bad breath, no matter how diligently you brush or floss.
However, this type of bad breath is rare, except among people with poor dental hygiene habits. If you are experiencing chronic bad breath along with other symptoms, such as halitosis, that persist after proper oral care, see your dentist for diagnosis and treatment.
The American Dental Association provides information about its member dentists in the United States and Canada who provide oral health information, including general dentistry, orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, periodontics, prosthodontics, endodontics, and oral and maxillofacial surgery. The ADA’s Find a Dentist tool provides the location of member dentists for oral health information.
What to Do to Prevent Bad Breath?
It is very important to practice good oral hygiene and see your dentist regularly to address chronic bad breath. Otherwise, you could be making the problem worse. Breathing through your mouth dries out the mouth by removing moisture and bacteria that are needed to fight against bad breath. If the smell is coming from deep inside your nose (nasal or sinus drainage), you should consult your doctor
Eat more fruits and vegetables and less meat. [Consider a diet rich in non-sulfurous foods such as many spices (e.g., cumin), unsweetened cocoa, thyme, basil, mint leaves, peppermint leaves], garlic extracts/powders, etc.)
Keep a log of the foods you eat. If symptoms do not improve after practicing these steps or if symptoms are accompanied by other symptoms, such as halitosis, that persist after proper oral care, see your dentist for diagnosis and treatment.
Which products can eliminate bad breath?
Mouthwash, mints, and other items that mask the odor temporarily won’t get rid of the cause. However, good oral hygiene practices should be part of your regular routine. Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily. Be sure to brush your tongue as well as the insides of your cheeks and gums. Also, be sure to see your dentist regularly for professional cleanings. If you have chronic bad breath along with other signs and symptoms of illness, consult your doctor.
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