home > resources > dental conditions > bad breath

Bad Breath - Halitosis

Bad breath is an embarrassing condition that everyone experiences from time to time. However, for some people bad breath (halitosis) is a chronic condition that they may not even be aware of. At Bennett Family Dentistry we can help identify the cause of bad breath and, if it’s due to an oral condition, develop a treatment plan to eliminate it.

Causes of Bad Breath

Bad breath is caused by odor-producing bacteria that grow and populate within the mouth. It can result from poor dental health habits and be an indicator of other health problems. Common causes of bad breath include:

Inconsistent Brushing/Flossing Habits
Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)
Foods with a strong odor (such as Garlic or Onions)
Tobacco Products
Periodontal (Gum) Disease
Sinus or Respiratory Infections
Improperly Fitted Dental Appliances

What Health Problems Are Associated With Bad Breath?

Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth may be warning signs of gum (periodontal) disease. Gum disease is caused by the buildup of plaque on teeth. The bacteria cause toxins to form in the mouth, which irritate the gums. If gum disease continues untreated, it can damage the gums and jawbone.

Bad breath may also be the sign of medical disorders, such as a local infection in the respiratory tract, chronic sinusitis, postnasal drip, chronic bronchitis, diabetes, gastrointestinal disturbance, liver or kidney ailment. If your dentist determines that your mouth is healthy, you may be referred to your family doctor or a specialist to determine the cause of bad breath.

What Can I Do to Prevent Bad Breath?

Practice good oral hygiene. Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to remove food debris and plaque. Brush your teeth after you eat (keep a toothbrush at work or school to brush after lunch). Don't forget to brush your tongue, too. Replace your toothbrush every 2 to 3 months. Use floss or an interdental cleaner to remove food particles and plaque between your teeth once a day. Dentures should be removed at night and cleaned thoroughly before being placed in your mouth the next morning.
See your dentist regularly - at least twice a year. He or she will conduct an oral examination and professional teeth cleaning and will be able detect and treat periodontal disease, dry mouth, or other problems that may be the cause of bad mouth odor.
Stop smoking/chewing tobacco-based products. Ask your dentist for tips on kicking the habit.
Drink lots of water. This will keep your mouth moist. Chewing gum (preferably sugarless) or sucking on candy (preferably sugarless) also stimulates the production of saliva, which helps wash away food particles and bacteria.
Keep a log of the foods you eat. If you think the foods that you eat may be causing your bad breath, record what you eat. Bring the log to your dentist to review. Similarly, make a list of the medications you take. Some medications may play a role in creating mouth odors.

At Bennett Family Dentistry your oral health is our top priority. We understand the conditions that cause bad breath and the embarrassment that it can cause for our patients. Please contact us for more information or to schedule a consultation with one of our team members

Informational Articles

Wisdom Teeth Extraction (05/27/10)

Composite Fillings (04/27/10)

Partial Dentures (04/27/10)

Tooth Colored Fillings (04/27/10)