It is an unpleasant topic to talk about but hard to ignore.
Halitosis or bad breath is a phenomenon common to more than 50% of the population. To treat this condition, it is important to understand which kind it is, because it may be a passing problem or a constant one.
Types of Halitosis:
Chronic bad breath: This condition involves constant bad breath that does not improve with common masking solutions like mouthwash or teeth brushing. Possible causes include:
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A systemic disease like diabetes, gastrointestinal problems, sinus or tonsil infections.
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Sometimes a strict diet can be the cause.
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Dental problems such as large caries with decay and active bacteria causing bad breath.
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Bleeding and painful gums due to food impaction between teeth harboring bacteria.
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An abscess related to an erupting wisdom tooth or pulp infection leading to pus secretion, a significant cause of bad breath.
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A large volume of bacteria deposited on the tongue.
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Use of fixed or removable dentures that accumulate bacteria producing bad breath, which must be checked and cleaned regularly.
Transient bad breath: Signs include dry mouth and bad taste after sleeping, after certain foods, or when saliva flow is low, reducing natural cleaning and neutralization of bacteria and their products. This condition affects a significant percentage of the population, including young children and teenagers.
Causes of Bad Breath:
The odor mainly results from the breakdown of proteins into amino acids, which further decompose to form hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), a volatile sulfur compound strongly associated with bad breath.
In fact, 90% of bad breath cases originate from the mouth. The back of the tongue is where bacteria accumulate most, as it is difficult to clean and breaks down proteins.
Bad breath tends to worsen after fasting, long periods of talking, and smoking, as saliva production decreases, allowing bacteria to thrive and create unpleasant odors.
Who is Most Affected?
Many people suffer from bad breath, particularly vulnerable groups such as smokers, those with systemic diseases like diabetes, as well as children and adolescents.
Bad breath in young children is especially severe because of its social impact, sometimes causing social rejection and emotional distress. Parents should be attentive to their child’s breath and seek help if necessary.
Treatment Options:
A major difficulty is that individuals often cannot perceive their own bad breath, leading to denial and embarrassment. While masking agents like mints, mouth sprays, chewing gum, coffee beans, chewing parsley, or drinking chamomile tea can provide temporary relief (5–10 minutes), they do not address the root cause.
It is best to seek professional help for a comprehensive examination to diagnose the causes and recommend a tailored, long-lasting solution. Please contact us or schedule an appointment online to have your condition treated.