Halitosis: Causes, Symptoms, and How to Treat It

halitosis
halitosis

Halitosis is a condition that can cause you to be embarrassed or overly self-conscious. Understanding its causes and symptoms is therefore crucial for treating and managing it. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the factors contributing to bad breath and associated symptoms and give valuable insights into the available halitosis treatment options.

What Is Halitosis?

Halitosis, or bad breath, is a condition characterized by a foul smell emanating from the mouth. It isn’t uncommon for people to get bad breath from time to time, especially after eating strong-smelling foods like garlic or onions. Bad breath, however (chronic halitosis), doesn’t go away and could indicate a severe underlying issue.

Various health conditions manifest as halitosis, so getting to the root cause of this condition is the first step in treating it.

Halitosis Symptoms 

The main symptom of halitosis is persistent foul breath that is noticeable by other people. Because sometimes it is hard to know if your breath stinks, it is advisable to ask a friend to assess your mouth situation.

Causes of Halitosis?

Here are the several possible causes of bad breath:

Food

Food breakdown in the mouth can increase bacteria which may result in foul odour. In addition, eating certain foods like garlic and onion can also cause halitosis. Once these foods undergo digestion, they enter the lungs and affect your breath.

Tobacco Products

Smoking tobacco causes an unpleasant mouth odour. Moreover, tobacco users are susceptible to gum disease, another cause of foul breath.

Poor Oral Hygiene

If you do not brush and floss regularly, food particles may get lodged between your teeth, causing an unpleasant breath.

Dry Mouth

Saliva plays a significant role in ridding the mouth of food particles and debris that may cause foul odours; therefore, a condition like dry mouth can cause bad breath as it is characterized by decreased saliva production.

Some Medications

Some medications contribute to dry mouth, causing bad breath indirectly. Others break down in the body to produce chemicals that find their way into your breath.

Other causes of halitosis include mouth infections, nose and throat conditions, as well as some forms of cancer and metabolic disorders.

Halitosis Diagnosis

Your dentist can tell whether you have halitosis by assessing the breath from your nose and mouth. They will then rate the odour on a scale. 

Halitosis Treatment Options

Good oral hygiene practices can help combat bad breath. However, depending on the root cause of the issue, your dentist may recommend further treatment.

Dental Measures

Dental measures to treat bad breath include:

  • Using Fluoride Toothpaste and Mouth Rinses: If a bacterial build-up is the cause of your bad breath, consider using a mouth rinse with bacteria-killing properties. Your toothpaste, too, should have an antibacterial agent to eliminate plaque-causing bacteria.
  • Dental Diseases: Diseases like gum disease cause gum recession, leaving deep pockets that are breeding grounds for bacteria that cause odours. So if you have any dental conditions, ensure you visit a specialist.

Lifestyle Remedies

Our dentist at Dental on Wellesley may also recommend lifestyle remedies such as:

  • Regular Brushing: Food particles that get stuck between the teeth can cause foul odours, which is why dentists recommend brushing your teeth at least twice daily, preferably after meals. Use fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush.
  • Regular Flossing: Effective flossing removes food particles between your teeth, preventing bad breath.
  • Brushing Your Tongue: Most people overlook the tongue when brushing teeth, not knowing it harbours bacteria. Each time you brush your teeth, ensure you also brush your tongue in a back-to-front motion with your brush laid flat.
  • Cleaning Dental Restorations: If you have dental restorations such as dentures or bridges, ensure you clean them thoroughly as recommended by your dentist.

Your dentist may also recommend avoiding tobacco and foods with strong smells like garlic. They may also ask you to replace your toothbrush as often as possible and take lots of fluids for saliva production,

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, tackling the root causes of halitosis is vital for effective treatment. To keep your breath fresh and healthy, it’s crucial to maintain good oral hygiene by brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash regularly. 

If you’re seeking professional guidance and personalized treatment, look no further than Dental on Wellesley in Toronto, ON. Our experienced team of dentists is committed to ensuring optimal oral health and boosting your confidence with a refreshing smile. Don’t hesitate to book an appointment today to conquer halitosis and embrace a healthier mouth.

Dental Studio On Wellesley: Best Dentist on Yonge and Wellesley

With more than 14 years of experience, Dr. Sobhi has been dedicated to the field of dentistry. Alongside her team of skilled dental professionals, their primary passion lies in assisting patients in achieving their healthiest and most radiant smiles.

Situated in Yonge and Eglinton, Yonge and Wellesley Dental takes pride in offering comprehensive dental care. Their stunning and contemporary office is equipped with cutting-edge dental technology, enabling them to deliver the utmost level of care to their patients.

For more information, You can find us in DENTAL STUDIO ON WELLESLEY to schedule an appointment in our office, schedule an appointment online, or give us a call at 1.416.858.4949

Our Locations

Are you perplexed about the dental treatment you need? Or you are concerned about which dental clinic is the right option for your dental treatment? Don’t worry we have the best dentists in town with high-tech services. For your convenience, we have multiple dental offices at different locations. Let us know your location and queries we will guide you to your nearest dental office. The location of the dental offices is as follows:

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