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Halitosis
Fresh breath can lead to more enjoyable interactions with others. According to research or other evidence, the following self-care steps may be helpful.
- Control the sulfur
Routinely use a toothpaste or mouthwash containing zinc compounds or stabilized chlorine dioxide to help break down odor-causing sulfur chemicals
- Keep an eye on hygiene
Brush and floss regularly to keep your teeth free of food particles that can lead to halitosis
- Scrub the tongue
Brush your tongue or use a commercial tongue scraper regularly to remove odor-causing agents and keep bacteria in check
- Get a dental checkup
Visit your dentist to find out if problems associated with oral health are contributing to your halitosis
Also indexed as:
- bad breath,
- halitosis
About this treatment
About This Condition
Halitosis is the technical term for bad breath, a condition estimated to affect 50 to 65% of the population.
Up to 90% of cases are thought to originate from sources in the mouth, including poor oral hygiene, periodontal disease, coating on the tongue, impacted food, faulty dental restorations, and throat infections. The remaining 10% are due to systemic disorders, such as peptic ulcer (when associated with infection), lung infections (bad breath can be the first sign in some cases),liver or kidney disease,diabetes mellitus, cancer, or even a person’s imagination (healthy individuals sometimes complain of bad breath that cannot be smelled by anyone else and is not linked to any clinical disorder).
In most cases, bad breath in the mouth can be traced to sulfur gases produced by bacteria in the mouth. Factors that support the growth of these bacteria will predispose a person to halitosis. Examples include accumulation of food within pockets around the teeth, among the bumps at the back of the tongue, or in small pockets in the tonsils; sloughed cells from the mouth; and diminished saliva flow. Mucus in the throat or sinuses can also serve as a breeding ground for bacteria. Conditions are most favorable for odor production during the night and between meals.
Although bad breath primarily represents a source of embarrassment or annoyance, research has shown that the sulfur gases most responsible for halitosis (hydrogen sulfide and methyl mercaptan) are also potentially damaging to the tissues in the mouth, and can lead to periodontitis (inflammation of the gums and ligaments supporting the teeth). As periodontal disease progresses, so may the halitosis, as bacteria accumulate in the pockets that form next to the teeth.
Last Review: 05-11-2011
Copyright © 2011 Aisle7. All rights reserved. www.Aisle7.net
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The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires June 2011.
© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
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