What Is Bad Breath (Halitosis)
Halitosis simply means bad breath. It is estimated that 40% of the population suffers from chronic halitosis at some time.
Many things can cause bad breath, including:
- Poor oral hygiene (not brushing and flossing properly)
- Gum disease
- Eating certain foods like onions or garlic
- Tobacco and alcohol products
- Dry mouth (caused by certain medications, medical disorders and by decreased saliva flow during sleep - hence the term "morning breath")
- Systemic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, liver and kidney disorders
How Can I Help Prevent Halitosis?
In addition to avoiding foods that cause bad breath, you can prevent the chances of bad breath by:
- Brushing thoroughly twice a day and flossing daily to remove plaque and food particles
- Removing dentures each night and cleaning them well before replacing them each morning
- Visiting your dentist regularly for dental check-ups and cleanings
- If you have persistent bad breath that is not improved with brushing and flossing, see your dentist for a thorough dental examination as this could indicate a more serious problem. Only a dentist can tell if you have gum disease, dry mouth or excess plaque build-up as a possible cause of bad breath.