Mouth Odour and Bad Breath

Mouth | Gastroenterology | Mouth Odour and Bad Breath (Symptom)


Description

Bad breath medically called halitosis, can result from poor dental health habits and may be a sign of other health problems. Bad breath can also be made worse by the types of foods a person eats and other unhealthy lifestyle habits. Most bad breath originates in the mouth.

Causes

The causes of bad breath are numerous. They include food, dental problems, dry mouth, diseases, mouth, nose and throat conditions, tobacco products.

Diagnosis and Treatment

The dentist can treat the different causes of bad breath. If the mouth is healthy and the odor is not of oral origin, the person suffering from bad breath may be referred to his or her family doctor or to a specialist to determine the odor source and treatment plan. If the odor is due to gum disease, for example, your dentist can either treat the disease or refer you to a periodontist, a dentist who specializes in treating gum conditions.

However, practicing good oral hygiene, stopping smoking/chewing tobacco products, drinking water and eating healthy can reduce or prevent from having bad breath.

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