Dealing With Bad Breath

Bad breath, halitosis, or mouth odor, is a common problem experienced by just about everyone at some time. Some people are plagued with the problem constantly. Others have it less frequently. Regardless of frequency or severity, mouth odor can be an embarrassing condition.

Oral odors can be generated in many ways. Various foods can contribute to bad breathe. Some of these may just smell bad on their own while others have oils and other components which are absorbed into the bloodstream and excreted through the lungs and oral tissues. Garlic, onions, and alcohol are examples of these odor causers. These odors generally have to just work their way out of the system. If food is not cleaned from between the teeth or from around dentures, it may rot and cause a bad odor. Tobacco products also act in the lungs to produce odors. Tobacco use also aggravates gum disease which is itself a major cause of mouth odors.

Bad breath may be a sign of a sinus infection or other local infection as well as other systemic diseases. Gastrointestinal, kidney, and liver disease all may have bad breath as a side effect. Also note that some medications may also cause mouth odor. Dry mouth due to medications you might be taking or other conditions is a source of many oral odors.

Obviously, finding and eliminating the underlying cause of the problem is the first best step in treatment. There are also many agents available over the counter to help mask oral odors. Your dentist may also prescribe antibacterial treatments Such as Peridex to help fight the root causes of the problem.