Halitosis: What Causes Bad Breath and How Can You Get Rid of It?

Bad breath is usually a short-term problem, but sometimes it lingers. If you experience ongoing bad breath that doesn’t go away when you brush your teeth, you may have halitosis.

Halitosis literally means “bad breath” (in Latin), and the condition affects about one-third of the population.

You may not realize you have halitosis until someone else mentions it. That’s because most people can’t smell their own breath, and there usually aren’t any other symptoms.

What Causes Halitosis?

Bad breath is often caused by something simple, like a particularly pungent food or beverage. Alcohol, garlic, onions, and certain spices are all notorious causes of bad breath.

When you experience chronic halitosis, though, there’s usually a bigger problem. You may have excess bacteria on your tongue, teeth, or gums. This may be due to gum disease, dry mouth, or lack of proper oral hygiene.

Some medical conditions such as sinus infections can sometimes cause bad breath, but it usually resolves when the infection does. Diabetes, liver disease, and kidney disease may also cause bad breath, but that’s rarely the only noticeable symptom.

How To Get Rid of Bad Breath

If you believe your bad breath may be caused by an underlying medical condition, please see your doctor for a thorough exam. If there are no other symptoms, however, try some of the following techniques to get rid of bad breath:

• Brush your teeth twice daily for at least two minutes each time. Use fluoride toothpaste, and try to brush after every meal to remove bacteria. At a minimum, brush each morning when you wake up and before bed each evening.
• Use mouthwash daily to kill bacteria.
• Don’t use tobacco products, including cigarettes or chewing tobacco.
• Drink plenty of water to keep your mouth moisturized. If you suffer from dry mouth, you can also use moisturizing products such as sprays or rinses to help the condition.
• Schedule regular dental cleanings and exams. Thorough cleanings help keep bacteria away, and your dentist can help determine whether there are other factors causing your bad breath.

Find a Dentist in Bismarck, ND

If you live in or near Bismarck, ND, there are dental care options to treat your halitosis. Brend Dental specializes in treating bad breath and finding the underlying cause. Please schedule an appointment for a thorough dental cleaning and examination.