SMELLING MOUTH AND BAD BREATH (HALITOSIS): CAUSES, TREATMENT AND PREVENTION

Bad breath (smelling mouth) is also known as halitosis or fetor oris. The odour usually come from the mouth, teeth, or as a result of an underlying health problem. Bad breath (mouth odour) can be a temporary problem or a chronic condition. If the taste is due to an underlying diseased condition and not because of trapped food particles, it may not disappear even after brushing the teeth or having a mouthwash; in other words, not all smelling mouth can be removed by mere brushing the mouth.

Symptoms of Breath Odour
Many patients are often not aware of their bad breath disorder and thus could become embarrassed or even offended when informed; however some patients may notice some bad tastes in their mouth.
Causes of Breath Odour

• Poor Oral (Mouth) Hygiene
• Strong Foods and Beverages
• Smoking
• Dry Mouth
• Periodontal Disease
• Sinus, Mouth, or Throat Infections (eg sinus infection, postnasal drainage, chronic bronchitis, an infections of the upper or lower respiratory system)
• Tonsil stones also can be a source of bad breath because bacteria tend to collect on the stones.

Other Causes include:

• Symptom of kidney disease (Fishy smell)
• Liver failure (Fishy smell)
• Diabetes (Fishy or Fruity smell) and
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disorder (GERD- A common cause of halitosis)

Treatment Options for Breath Odour

• If breath odour is due to a plaque buildup, a dental cleaning may solve the problem.
• A deep dental cleaning may be required in cases of periodontal disease.
• Treating underlying medical problems, such as a sinus infection or kidney disease, can also help improve breath odor.
• Your dentist may recommend that you use an artificial saliva product and drink plenty of water if dry mouth causes your odor problem.

How to Prevent Breath Odour

• Floss and brush your teeth two or more times each day.
• Use antimicrobial mouthwash daily to kill bacteria.
• Brushing your tongue with a toothbrush or tongue scraper
• Rinse with non alcohol mouthwash that contains a zinc compound.
• Staying hydrated can often help to eliminate or prevent breath odor.
• Drink water to wash away food particles and keep your mouth moist.
• Quitting smoking if you smoke can also help keep your mouth moist and free of odor.
• Take probiotics
• Chew sugarless gum that contains xylitol
• Visit your dentist regularly

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