What is Halitosis?

Halitosis is a medical term used to describe bad breath.
Can be caused by poor dental habits or certain systemic diseases.

What are the causes of Halitosis?

Causes Inside The Mouth:

Certain foods

• Onion
• Garlic
• Certain spices
• Cheese
• Orange Juice or Soda
• Alcohol

Tobacco in any form

• Smoking
• Oral use of tobacco

Poor Oral Hygiene

Lack of adequate brushing and flossing

laque deposition

Lack of tongue regular tongue cleaning

Ill fitting dentures

Improperly cleaned dentures

Dry mouth

• Reduced saliva production
• Inadequate breakdown of food particles
• Less flushing of food particles

Mouth Breathing

• Leads to dry mouth

Dental conditions

• Cavities
• Gum diseases

Throat and sinus causes

• Sinus infection
• Post nasal drainage
• Chronic bronchitis
• Upper and lower respiratory tract infections
• Tonsil stones

Causes Outside The Mouth

• Kidney diseases
• Liver diseases
• Sleep Disorders
• Gastro esophageal reflux disease
• Diabetes
• Metabolic disorders
• Some cancers

What are the signs of Halitosis?

• Affects everyone at one point of time
• Temporary or Chronic
• Occasional bad taste
• Complain of bad smell coming from mouth by a friend/relative

What are the treatment options available?

• Proper oral hygiene routine
• Brush twice a day with a fluoridated toothpaste
• Floss once a day
• Clean your tongue daily
• Gargling with plain water after having food.
• Replace your toothbrush every 3 months or after an illness
• Remove dentures every night before sleeping
• Clean your dentures everyday as per instructions
• Clean braces and retainers properly

What are the preventive measures?

• Oral hygiene maintainance
• Refrain from smoking
• Do not consume oral tobacco
• Limit alcohol intake
• Limit intake of caffeine
• Proper hydration
• Regular dental visits