Should I See a Doctor for Bad Breath?

All of us have felt a little embarrassed at some point in our lives due to bad breath. As per studies, 50 percent of adults have got bad breath in their lifetime. It could be a temporary setback due to eating onion, garlic, or any strong food. But sometimes this bad breath might not go away which is a sign of some underlying issue. It could be an issue with your oral condition or some other issue stemming from other parts of your body.

Bad breath, formally known as halitosis, is caused due to varied reasons. You should look at bad breath as a warning message telling you some part of your body is not functioning properly. It is extremely important to find the root cause of halitosis and rule out any kind of disease.

Symptoms of Halitosis

The primary symptom of halitosis is a foul-smelling breath that refuses to go away. Other symptoms include the following:

• Your mouth feels dry.
• There is a plaque near the gum line around the teeth.
• There is a white layer on your tongue.
• You have a bad metallic taste in the mouth.

Reasons for Bad Breath

Halitosis is a very common condition across the globe and affects one out of four people in the world. As per some research involving the findings of thirteen medical journals, approximately 32 percent of the population is affected by halitosis. The most common reasons for halitosis are certain types of food, habits, and health conditions. Let us look closely at some of the top reasons for having bad breath:

• Bacteria – There is a multitude of bad breath-causing bacteria which could give you foul breath. These bacteria live naturally inside our mouths, and if proper dental care is not taken, your mouth can act as a hothouse for such bacteria to flourish. After you eat something, the bacteria feed on the food which is left behind in your mouth, leaving a pungent-smelling waste product.
• Gum disease – Bad breath, which does not go away, could also be a sign of advanced gum disease. Such severe gum diseases are caused by plaque which is a sticky substance that causes cavities.
• Dry mouth – If your mouth does not make enough saliva, it means your mouth is not getting washed around the clock. Saliva is the cleaning agent which keeps washing your mouth all through the day. Salivary glands issues, mouth breathing, or certain medications can cause dry mouth.

Other Medical Conditions that can Cause Bad Breath

If your dentist has ruled out dental issues for your bad breath and you maintain good oral hygiene, then you should seek help from a general physician for your bad breath. Many medical conditions such as sinus, diabetes, gastric reflux, and kidney or liver disease can cause a bad odor in the mouth.

• Tonsil stones – Your tonsils are located at the back of your throat, and if food gets stuck there, it hardens into tonsil stones or tonsillitis, which are calcium deposits. This could be another reason for bad breath.
• Infections of the lungs, nose, or throat – People who are suffering from pneumonia cough up foul-smelling liquid.
• Liver or kidney malfunction – Our liver and kidneys help filter toxins out of our bodies. But if these two organs are not functioning properly, there is a toxin buildup in our bodies which can cause halitosis.
• Sjorgen’s syndrome – In this autoimmune disease, people develop dry mouth, eyes, and skin, along with muscle pain. A dry mouth is often linked to halitosis.

How do dentists Diagnose Halitosis?

Your dentist would ask you questions about your lifestyle along with a dental check-up to diagnose whether you have halitosis or not. S/he would check the entire mouth to find signs of infection, plaque, etc. The dentist would also get to know your oral habits, how many times you brush and floss, and any medications you are taking to zero down on the reason for foul-smelling breath. If your dentist is unable to find any dental reason for halitosis, then s/he may refer you to a general practitioner.

How can I Prevent Halitosis?

The best way to avoid halitosis is to maintain proper oral hygiene. Here is some guideline on how to stay away from bad breath:

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once a day.
• Avoid the use of tobacco products, as any kind of tobacco, can lead to halitosis.
• Add lots of fruits and vegetables to your meals.
• Keep your mouth hydrated with water, or suck on sugar-free mints or gums.

Apart from taking precautions, it is vital to visit your dentist regularly for general checkups and cleaning. With timely intervention, your dentist can detect problems like dry mouth, gum disease, etc., sooner so that you do not land up with more grave issues.