Dr. M.J. Bazos, MD
Patient Handout
HALITOSIS
About Your
Diagnosis
Halitosis is the medical term for bad breath.
More than 25 million Americans are affected with foul- or unpleasant-smelling
breath. A number of factors and conditions cause bad breath. The most common
cause of halitosis is the breakdown of food in the mouth by the bacteria that
are always present there. Certain foods may make this condition worse. There are
medical conditions that can cause bad breath. These include infected teeth,
gums, or oral mucosa, oral cancers, the common cold, lung and sinus infections,
postnasal drip, tonsillitis, untreated nasal polyps, diabetes, syphilis, and
other diseases of the stomach, lungs, liver, and kidneys. Medications may also
be a cause of halitosis. However, all of these medical problems taken together
affect a very small percentage of individuals with halitosis. Stress or nervous
tension makes the bad breath worse. One of the major effects of stress is drying
of the mouth. Saliva is the mouth’s natural mouthwash; it has antibiotic
elements in it that reduce the numbers of bacteria in the
mouth.
Living With Your
Diagnosis
An individual with bad breath
is rarely aware of it. You generally cannot detect your own mouth odor even when
you exhale into your hand, or lick it to smell the odor. You usually only become
aware that you have halitosis when you notice that individuals are avoiding you
or when someone tells you. All of us are more or less susceptible at one time or
another to halitosis. Bad breath can come when you least expect it, and it tends
to get worse and more frequent as you get older. The intensity of the odor is
variable.
Treatment
The
key to treatment is good oral hygiene. Daily brushing and flossing are
essential. Using an overthe- counter mouthwash or a 50/50 mixture of hydrogen
peroxide and water will help remove food particles and help neutralize odors.
Regular dental checkups are a must to prevent, identify, and treat potential
problems. Avoiding aggravating foods and tobacco can also help. If a medical
condition or infection is the cause, proper treatment of the underlying
condition is appropriate. Taking a vitamin C supplement may be of benefit,
particularly in smokers. A vitamin C deficiency may make halitosis
worse.
The
DOs
• Brush with a baking soda
toothpaste, floss between the teeth, and clean the tongue after each
meal.
• Make sure your mouth is moist
by drinking adequate water. Hold water in the mouth for as long as possible,
swishing it vigorously to remove food
particles.
• Increase saliva
production by chewing sugarless gum or sugarless candy
mints.
• Rinse mouth with 50/50
mixture of hydrogen peroxide and warm water for 1
minute.
• Snack on carrots, celery,
or other vegetables to keep plaque from
forming.
• Use an oral irrigation
device to clean the teeth.
The
DON’Ts
• Avoid foods and
beverages that can cause bad breath, such as garlic, raw onions, cabbage,
horseradish, eggs, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, fish, red meat, peppers, alcohol,
and coffee.
• Avoid cigarettes and
tobacco products.
When to Call Your
Doctor
• You should consult your
physician or dentist if bad breath becomes chronic and the simple treatments do
not work.