Bad breath is a dental and health problem where the breath has an unpleasant and repulsive odor. Medically this condition is known as Halitosis. There are several reason that lead to a bad breath ranging from poor oral hygiene, bad habits like smoking, bacterial growth in the mouth and other medical conditions.

Causes of Bad Breath or Halitosis

Major causes of bad breath can be categorized into two categories.

• Local Causes
• Systematic Causes

Local Causes

• Mouth bacteria that produce by products of sulphides and ammonia
• Unclean and filthy tongue
• Irregular and Improper brushing and flossing
• Teeth Cavities
• Plaque, tarter and other gum disease like Gingivitis
• Dirty fixation in mouth like braces, rubber bands and false dentures

Systematic Causes

• Smoking and other bad habits
• Diabetes
• Stomach upset
• Kidney diseases
• Sinus disease
• Dry Mouth
• Throat, lungs or sinus infections
• Infection in gums and mouth
• Prolonged illness
• Excessive use of medicines and drugs

Symptoms of Bad Breath

It is not always easy for an individual to detect whether he or she is suffering from bad breath as the smell sensors in the nose get used to bad breath with the passage of time. There are a few common symptoms that can tell you that you are suffering from bad breath.

• Mouth Infections

People suffering from persistent mouth infection also develop bad breath. Symptoms involve continuously bleeding gums, swelling around the gums, redness and tenderness of the gums. Production of pus between the teeth and gums that eventually transforms into small pockets of pus. Open sores in the tongue and the gums

• Persistent infection of respiratory tract

Persons who persistently suffer from soar throat also develop the problem of bad breath. There is a greenish or yellowish discharge from the nose as well as from the mouth that produces smell inside the mouth. Mucus producing cough can also supports the bad breath problem.

• Dry Mouth

Bad breath is also related to the dry mouth. People having persistent dry mouth also suffer from bad breath. Burning sensation in the mouth is also a symptom of bad breath. People having dry mouth swallow food with difficulty and have a high number of cavities in their teeth as well.

Diagnosis of Bad Breath

The doctor will review the medical history of the patient to diagnose the problem. Sometimes the problem is so very obvious that the dentist does not need to do any additional tests or medical examinations. The dentist will examine the diet chart, medical history and personal habits of a person to find out the root cause of the Halitosis. Sometimes the smell of the breath indicates the cause of the bad breath. For example if there is a fruity bad breath it means that diabetes is the cause of problem. Urine like smell indicates some problem in the kidneys or urinary tract. Diagnosis also involves a complete scan of gums, teeth, tongue and nose as well. Additional tests and medical check ups will be required if your doctor thinks that some other disease is the cause behind the bad breath.

Treatment of the Bad Breath

The actual treatment of the bad breath depends upon its real cause. However, you can take following measures to avoid this problem as much as possible

• Brush twice a day with a hygienic fluoride toothpaste
• Visit your dentist twice a year to detect any gums and teeth problem before its too late
• Restrain from bad habits like smoking etc
• Lead a healthy life style with excessive use of water and healthy foods