HALITOSIS (BAD BREATH)

Causes

In 85% of cases, the source of halitosis is located in the mouth. Bacteria from the mouth transform food and cellular debris, which may have the effect of producing unpleasant smells. These bacteria accumulate on the teeth and form plaque, tartar and tooth decay. They also proliferate at the gum level if there is presence of gingivitis or periodontal disease (inflammation of the tissues that support the teeth). Bacteria also accumulate on the tongue where they form, in combination with food debris, a whitish deposit. This deposit is more important in patients with periodontal disease.

Bad breath therefore often starts in the mouth and is related to:

• Poor oral hygiene;
• Periodontal disease (disease of the gums and bone that support the teeth);
• Untreated caries;
• Dry mouth, or xerostomia (can be caused by stress, medication or breathing through the mouth).

But there are also other causes (extraoral):

• Chronic tonsillitis;
• Sinusitis;
• Postnasal drip on the back of the tongue;
• Gastric disorders (less than 1% of cases of bad breath);
• Kidney or liver failure;
• Taking certain medications;
• Consumption of certain foods or beverages (e.g.: a diet rich in protein, certain foods with a strong taste, coffee, tobacco, etc.);
• Diabetes;
• Cancer of the nose, throat or ear.