Bad Breath/Halitosis

While it is perfectly normal to experience an acute bout of bad breath after eating certain pungent foods such as spices, onions or garlic, being plagued by constant bad breath is a different story. Chronic halitosis can be attributed to a variety of different underlying causes including inadequate oral hygiene, dental disease, oral infections, smoking and tobacco habits, dry mouth, medications, diets, certain metabolic disorders or other systemic problems that affect an individual’s overall health.

Treating Bad Breath Related to Oral Hygiene and Oral Health Issues

Other sources of bad breath related to oral health issues can include chronic dry mouth (xerostomia), gum disease, tooth decay, mouth sores, oral wounds or post-operative surgical sites. When the cause of bad breath is related to dental disease, an ulceration, or injury, the dentist will provide the appropriate treatment to address the condition or to promote tissue healing. In cases of bad breath due to chronic dry mouth, the dentist may recommend methods of self-care or medications to increase salivary flow, artificial saliva and other therapeutic measures. It is important to keep in mind that dry mouth may be a side effect of essential medications to address a systemic condition.