Bad Breath Causes, Treatments, and Prevention Bad breath , medically called halitosis, can result from poor dental health habits and may be a sign of other health problems. Bad breath can also be made worse by the types of foods you eat and other unhealthy lifestyle habits. How Does What You Eat Affect Breath? Basically, all the food eaten begins to be broken down in your mouth . If you eat foods with strong odors (such as garlic or onions), brushing and flossing -- even mouthwash -- merely covers up the odor temporarily. The odor will not go away completely until the foods have passed through your body. Why Do Poor Habits Cause Bad Breath? If you don't brush and floss teeth daily, food particles can remain in your mouth , promoting bacterial growth between teeth , around the gums, and on the tongue . This causes bad breath . Antibacterial mouth rinses also can help reduce bacteria. In addition, odor-causing bacteria and food particles can cause bad breath if dentures are not properly cleaned. Smoking or chewing tobacco -based products also can cause bad breath, stain teeth , reduce your ability to taste foods, and irritate your gums. What Health Problems Are Associated With Bad Breath?

Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth may be a warning sign of gum (periodontal) disease. Gum disease is caused by the buildup of plaque on teeth. Bacteria cause the formation of toxins to form, which irritate the gums. If gum disease continues untreated, it can damage the gums and jawbone. Other dental causes of bad breath include poorly fitting dental appliances, yeast infections of the mouth, and dental caries (cavities). The medical condition dry mouth (also called xerostomia) also can cause bad breath. Saliva is necessary to moisten the mouth, neutralize acids produced by plaque, and wash away dead cells that accumulate on the tongue, gums, and cheeks. If not removed, these cells decompose and can cause bad breath. Dry mouth may be a side effect of various medications , salivary gland problems , or continuous breathing through the mouth. Many other diseases and illnesses may cause bad breath. Here are some to be aware of: respiratory tract infections such as pneumonia or bronchitis , chronic sinus infections, postnasal drip , diabetes , chronic acid reflux , and liver or kidney problems. Continued What Can I Do to Prevent Bad Breath?

Bad breath can be reduced or prevented if you: Practice good oral hygiene. Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to remove food debris and plaque. Brush teeth after you eat (keep a toothbrush at work or school to brush after lunch). Don't forget to brush the tongue, too. Replace your toothbrush every 2 to 3 months or after an illness. Use floss or an interdental cleaner to remove food particles and plaque between teeth once a day. Rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash twice a day. Dentures should be removed at night and cleaned thoroughly before being placed in your mouth the next morning. See your dentist regularly -- at least twice a year. He or she will conduct an oral exam and professional teeth cleaning and will be able to detect and treat periodontal disease, dry mouth , or other problems that may be the cause of bad mouth odor. Stop smoking and chewing tobacco-based products. Ask your dentist for tips on kicking the habit. Drink lots of water. This will keep your mouth moist. Chewing gum (preferably sugarless) or sucking on candy (preferably sugarless) also stimulates the production of saliva, which helps wash away food particles and bacteria.

Gums and mints containing xylitol are best. Keep a log of the foods you eat. If you think they may be causing bad breath, bring the log to your dentist to review. Similarly, make a list of the medications you take. Some drugs may play a role in creating mouth odors. Who Treats Bad Breath? In most cases, your dentist can treat the cause of bad breath. If your dentist determines that your mouth is healthy and the odor is not of oral origin, you may be referred to your family doctor or to a specialist to determine the odor source and treatment plan. If the odor is due to gum disease , for example, your dentist can either treat the disease or refer you to a periodontist, a dentist who specializes in treating gum conditions. Continued What Products Can I Use to Eliminate Bad Breath? An antiseptic mouthwash can help eliminate bacteria that cause bad breath. Ask your dentist about which product is best for you. Common Questions About Bad Breath | Center for Breath Treatment About Halitosis and Bad Breath What is halitosis?

Chronic halitosis is a condition in which a person produces an offensive odor from their oral or nasal regions and they’re unable to eliminate it through normal oral hygiene techniques, such as flossing or brushing. The occasional “morning breath” most people experience at one time or another is not really true halitosis. Halitosis knows no boundaries when it comes to age, sex, race, or socioeconomic levels. Furthermore, it can be truly demoralizing, and it negatively impacts the lives of as many as 50-80 million individuals in the United States alone. Because it’s such an embarrassing problem we have found that many patients are reluctant to even mention their problem to either their physician or dentist. Another unfortunate fact is that most halitosis sufferers have no idea that they have a breath problem unless somebody directly informs them. People suffering from halitosis have been known to become withdrawn and avoid social situations. There unfortunately have even been documented cases of suicide stemming from a halitosis problem. How long does treatment for my bad breath take, and once I complete my halitosis treatment will my halitosis problem return? It typically takes about 2 appointments to eliminate a person’s halitosis condition.

At the completion of treatment we may recommend a preventive maintenance program that will prevent the reoccurrence of your halitosis. Recommendations are based on each individual’s breath problem and their specific causes of their breath condition. If the program is correctly followed your breath problem will not return. Will my insurance cover any of the treatment for my chronic bad breath condition? If you have dental insurance you will be able to get partial benefits for the treatment at our center. Because the treatment of halitosis is not a covered benefit we will provide you with a completed dental claim form that includes various diagnostic treatment codes that we will perform in our office. Patients then submit this to their insurance company for reimbursement and the average reimbursement for most patients is $100.00-$300.00. Do you prescribe antibiotics for the treatment of chronic halitosis? No. Antibiotics are not able to effectively reach the specific bacteria that cause halitosis, and they should not be used on a long term basis. In some instances we do utilize specialized antibacterial rinses in conjunction with our treatment. What is the success rate for the treatment of bad breath in your clinic? We’re proud to say that we have a 99% success rate.

What happens if it is determined that my chronic halitosis condition is of a medical origin? At the initial diagnostic appointment it will be easily will easily determined whether there are any medical causes to a patient’s halitosis condition. This is quite easy to do and in the rare instance that there is a medical component to a patient’s breath condition we will refer that patient to the appropriate physician for additional treatment. Does the procedure hurt in any way, or are needles involved? There is absolutely no discomfort involved in any treatment we provide. It is a noninvasive procedure that requires no anesthesia or injections of any kind. Can any of the treatment you perform for the cause of bad breath cause a person any harm? No. In no way can our treatment cause any harm or complications with a patient. It is a noninvasive treatment and the worse thing possible that can happen is for the procedure to be unsuccessful. What can a person do if they don’t live in close proximity to the San Francisco Bay Area where The Center for Breath Treatment is located, and there is no way for them to see Dr. Dailley in person? For those people that have no possible means of seeing us we recommend using our special alternative treatment program that is now available.

See the information in our web site under Unique Treatment Kit for further details. Our breath treatment kit can be purchased online, or you can call us at 1-888-FRESH-03 (1.888.373.7403) to place an order or to obtain additional information. Once treated for the cause of bad breath, will my breath problem return? At the completion of your treatment we will develop an individualized maintenance regimen for you which will prevent the reoccurrence of your old halitosis condition. Your overall package to help eliminate bad breath is great! I am really glad you added the Hydro Floss. The Hydro Floss always finds particl… Kam KammererWalnut Creek, CA How Can We Help You?* Email This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Bad breath treatment in our clinic, Treatment of chronic bad breath, Treatment of chronic halitosis At the Center for Breath Treatment we have found that about 90% of breath problems are caused from a proliferation of specific types of gram (-) anaerobic bacteria in the mouth. This has also been supported by extensive research in the field of halitosis.

This proliferation is often a result of conditions such as allergies, sinus congestion or post-nasal drips, nasal polyps, and xerostomia which is a dry mouth condition. A common area where the bacteria congregates can actually be on the tongue itself. Because we rarely find bad breath resulting from a medical condition, we suggest that the first approach in eliminating bad breath should be an oral approach. This approach is more economical, noninvasive, and it has a much higher probability of success. We do recommend that all patients maintain their dental health by seeing their dentist regularly. Should a chronic halitosis condition persist, despite the noninvasive oral treatments that we offer, then we suggest that those patients should see their physician. It is very rare to see this occur, and the differential diagnosis we perform at the first appointment, will quickly determine whether a chronic bad breath problem is of a medical or dental origin. Very rarely is a chronic halitosis condition a result of insufficient oral hygiene. Have More Questions? Bad Breath Bad Breath El mal aliento You lean over to whisper something to your friend and you can tell by the look on your friend's face that something is up. Could it be your breath?

Maybe you shouldn't have put extra onions on your hamburger at lunch. What's a kid with smelly breath to do? The good news is that bad breath happens to everyone once in a while. Let's find out how to detect it, prevent it, and even treat it. What's That Smell? Bad breath is the common name for the medical condition known as halitosis (say: hal-uh-TOE-sis). Many different things can cause halitosis — from not brushing your teeth to certain medical conditions. Sometimes, a person's bad breath can blow you away — and he or she may not realize there's a problem. There are tactful (nice) ways of letting someone know about bad breath. You could offer mints or sugarless gum without having to say anything. If you need to tell a friend he or she has bad breath, you could say that you understand foods can cause bad breath because you've had it before yourself. By letting someone know that bad breath isn't something unusual, you'll make your friend feel more comfortable and less embarrassed about accepting your piece of chewing gum. If you suspect your own breath is foul, ask someone who will give you an honest answer without making fun of you.

(Just don't ask your brother or sister — they just might tell you your breath stinks even when it doesn't!) Although everyone gets bad breath sometimes, if you have bad breath a lot, you may need to visit your dentist or doctor . Here are three common causes of bad breath: foods and drinks, such as garlic, onions, cheese, orange juice, and soda poor dental hygiene (say: HI-jeen), meaning not brushing and flossing regularly smoking and other tobacco use Poor oral hygiene leads to bad breath because when food particles are left in your mouth, they can rot and start to smell. The food bits may begin to collect bacteria, which can be smelly, too. Not brushing your teeth regularly will let plaque (a sticky, colorless film) build up on your teeth. Plaque is a great place for bacteria to live and yet another reason why breath can turn foul. Preventing Smelly Breath So what's a kid to do? Don't smoke or use tobacco products, of course. And take care of your mouth by brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing once a day. Brush your tongue , too, because bacteria can grow there.

Flossing once a day helps get rid of particles wedged between your teeth. Also, visit your dentist twice a year for regular checkups and cleanings. Not only will you get a thorough cleaning, the dentist will look around your mouth for any potential problems, including those that can affect breath. For example, gum disease, also known as periodontal (say: per-ee-uh-DON-tul) disease, can cause bad breath and damage your teeth. If you're concerned about bad breath, tell your doctor or dentist. But don't be surprised if he or she leans in and take a big whiff! Smell is one way doctors and dentists can help figure out what's causing the problem. The way a person's breath smells can be a clue to what's wrong. For instance, if someone has uncontrolled diabetes , his or her breath might smell like acetone (the same stuff that's in nail polish remover). If you have bad breath all the time and the reason can't be determined by your dentist, he or she may refer you to a doctor to make sure no other medical condition could be causing it. Sometimes sinus problems , and rarely liver or kidney problems, can cause bad breath.

Usually, there's a less complicated reason for bad breath — like what you had for lunch. So keep up with your brushing and flossing and you should be breathing easy — and odor free! Halitosis | definition of halitosis by Medical dictionary Halitosis | definition of halitosis by Medical dictionary offensive odor of the breath. hal·i·to·sis [L. halitus, breath, + G. -osis, condition] halitosis /hal·i·to·sis/ (hal″ĭ-to´sis) offensive odor of the breath. halitosis [hal′itō′sis] Etymology: L, halitus, breath; Gk, osis, condition offensive breath resulting from poor oral hygiene; dental or oral infections; ingestion of certain foods, such as garlic or alcohol; use of tobacco; or some systemic diseases, such as the odor of acetone in diabetes and ammonia in liver disease. bad breath A generic term referring to unpleasant odours emanating from the mouth, the intensity of which differs according to the foods eaten, such as garlic, onions, red meat and fish. Other factors include obesity, smoking and alcohol consumption.

It is generally worse upon awakening (“morning breath”) because the anaerobic bacteria in the mouth have had hours to proliferate and produce volatiles. Acute bad breath can be addressed by oral hygiene in the form of mouthwashes, brushing the teeth and tongue, flossing, and use of inter-dental brushes. Chronic bad breath affects up to 25% of the population and may be socially or professionally crippling, and, if extreme, may affect one’s self-esteem. halitosis Bad breath An offensive oral odor caused by either oral pathology–eg, poor dental hygiene with bacterial growth in plaques, acute or chronic gingivitis, or fungal overgrowth, GI pathology–eg, food entrapment in Zenker's diverticulum. See Body odor , Odors . hal·i·to·sis A foul odor of the breath. [L. halitus, breath, + G. -osis, condition] halitosis Bad breath. Most cases result from neglect of tooth brushing and flossing, odorous foodstuffs or drinks, smoking, gum infection ( GINGIVITIS ) or dental decay.

Less common causes include DIABETES , BRONCHIECTASIS , lung abscess, atrophy of the nose lining (atrophic rhinitis), kidney failure or liver failure. Halitosis Mentioned in: Bad Breath halitosis, n offensive-smelling breath; may be caused by inadequate oral hygiene, fasting, infections, smoking, eating strong-smelling foods, or cer-tain diseases. hal·i·to·sis [L. halitus, breath, + G. -osis, condition] halitosis (bad breath, bromopnea, fetor ex ore, offensive breath) (hal´itō´sis), n an offensive odor of the breath resulting from local and metabolic conditions (e.g., poor oral hygiene, periodontal disease, sinusitis, tonsilitis, suppurative bronchopulmonary disease, acidosis, uremia). halitosis offensive odor of the breath. Patient discussion about halitosis Q. What causes bad breath? I have bad breath for a long time. What causes it? A. Here are some causes of bad breath: A Dry mouth- Saliva helps cleanse and moisten your mouth.

A dry mouth enables dead cells to accumulate on your tongue, gums and cheeks. These cells then decompose and cause odor. Dry mouth naturally occurs during sleep. It's what causes "morning breath." Dry mouth is even more of a problem if you sleep with your mouth open. Some medications as well as smoking can lead to a chronic dry mouth, as can a problem with your salivary glands. Some Diseases can also cause bad breath- Chronic lung infections and lung abscesses can produce very foul-smelling breath. Other illnesses, such as some cancers and certain metabolic disorders, can cause a distinctive breath odor. Kidney failure can cause a urine-like odor, and liver failure may cause an odor described as "fishy." People with uncontrolled diabetes often have a fruity breath odor. Chronic reflux of stomach acids from your stomach (gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD) Q. How to get rid of bad breath? My wife complains that I have bad breath. How can I get rid of it? A. Consider that candida infection can make your breath worse. You might try cutting down on sugar and carbs.

"Bad breath can also be caused by a candida (yeast infection), you may have a constant white furry tongue. Look at cutting down your intake of sugars and processed foods, as well as those containing yeast. - Search for Anti-Candida diet on a search engine for more info" Bad Breath (Halitosis): Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment - Medical News Today Bad Breath (Halitosis): Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment Bad breath, also known as halitosis or fetor oris, affects an estimated 25% of people, globally. There are a number of potential causes of halitosis but the vast majority come down to oral hygiene. Halitosis can cause significant worry, embarrassment and anxiety but, generally, it is relatively easy to remedy. In this article, we will discuss the potential origins of bad breath, diagnosis and how to treat it. Contents of this article: Rarer causes of halitosis, diagnosis and treatment Fast facts on bad breath Here are some key points about bad breath. More detail and supporting information is in the main article.

Bad breath is estimated to affect 1 in 4 people globally The most common cause of halitosis is bad oral hygiene If particles of food are left in the mouth, their breakdown by bacteria produces sulfur compounds There are a number of common causes of bad breath, including smoking, tooth decay and alcohol consumption Keeping the mouth hydrated can reduce mouth odor Bad breath in children is often due to a trapped item in the nasal cavity Rarer causes of bad breath include bowel obstruction, ketoacidosis and aspiration pneumonia The best treatment for bad breath is regular brushing, flossing and hydration Crash diets can cause bad breath because of the build-up of ketones. What is halitosis? Although bad breath is associated with certain diseases, oral hygiene is the most common cause. Bad breath is a common problem that can cause significant psychological distress. There are a number of potential causes and treatments available.1 Anyone can suffer from bad breath; it is estimated that 1 in 4 people have bad breath on a regular basis.2 Halitosis is the third most common reason that people seek dental care (after tooth decay and gum disease ).3 The most common cause of bad breath is poor dental hygiene.

As bacteria break down particles of food, sulfur compounds are produced that cause odor.4 Simple home remedies and lifestyle changes, such as improved dental hygiene and quitting smoking , can often remove the issue. If bad breath persists, however, it is advisable to visit a doctor to check for underlying causes. Symptoms of halitosis The specific odor of breath can vary depending on the cause of the problem. It is best to ask a close friend or relative to gauge your mouth odor as it is very difficult to assess it yourself. If no one is to hand, one way of checking the odor is to lick your wrist, leave it to dry and then smell it. If it smells bad, there is a strong chance your breath also smells bad. Some individuals are concerned about their breath even though they may have little or no mouth odor; this condition is called halitophobia and can lead to obsessive mouth-cleansing behavior. Causes of bad breath One of the major factors involved in bad breath is cigarette smoke. Potential causes of bad breath include: Tobacco: tobacco products cause their own types of mouth odor. Additionally, they increase the chances of gum disease which can also cause bad breath Food: the breakdown of food particles stuck in the teeth can cause odors.

Some foods such as onions and garlic can also cause bad breath. After they are digested, their breakdown products are carried in the blood to the lungs where they can affect the breath Dry mouth: saliva naturally cleans the mouth. If the mouth is naturally dry (for instance, in the morning) or is dry due to a specific disease (such as xerostomia ), odors can build up Dental hygiene: brushing and flossing ensure the removal of small particles of food that can build up and slowly break down, producing odor. A film of bacteria called plaque builds up if brushing is not regular. This plaque can irritate the gums and cause pockets of build-up between the teeth and gums called periodontitis . Dentures that are not cleaned regularly or properly can also harbor bacteria that cause halitosis Crash diets: fasting and low-carbohydrate eating programs can produce halitosis; this is due to the breakdown of fats producing chemicals called ketones. These ketones have a strong aroma Drugs: certain medications can reduce saliva and, therefore, increase odors. Other drugs can produce odors as they breakdown and release chemicals in the breath.

Examples include nitrates used to treat angina , some chemotherapy chemicals and some tranquilizers, such as phenothiazines. Individuals who take vitamin supplements in large doses can also be prone to bad breath Mouth, nose and throat conditions: sometimes small, bacteria covered stones can form on the tonsils at the back of the throat (tonsilloliths) and produce odor. Also, infections or inflammation in the nose, throat or sinuses can cause halitosis Foreign body: bad breath (especially in children) can be caused if they have a foreign body lodged in their nasal cavity Diseases: some cancers , liver failure and other metabolic diseases can cause halitosis due to specific mixes of chemicals that they produce. Gastroesophageal reflux disease ( GERD ) can cause bad breath due to the regular reflux of stomach acids. On the next page, we look at rarer causes of halitosis, its diagnosis and treatment. What Is Halitosis | LISTERINE® What Is Halitosis What is halitosis? Halitosis, a.k.a. chronic bad breath, is a condition in which a person emanates an unattractive odor from their mouth.

The everyday “morning breath” most people wake up with is not halitosis. Neither is the five minutes of bad breath you’ll experience after eating the occasional spice-heavy exotic meal. True halitosis is a persistent smell that does not go away after brushing, flossing and rinsing. It can be demoralizing and embarrassing, so much so that many people are reluctant to even mention it to their dentist. But it’s also fairly common, and thus, quite treatable. What are the causes halitosis? Halitosis has a number of possible causes, 80% of which are oral: cavities, gum disease, cracked fillings and less-than-clean dentures are all likely suspects. Then there are the dietary factors. High-protein/low-carbohydrate diets, acidic foods, sweets and, of course, a steady fare of onions and garlic will definitely curdle your breath like sour milk. So will excessive coffee and alcohol consumption. Tobacco users run an even higher risk. Though rare, lung disease, certain cancers and tonsil infections have been known to cause halitosis. So have blood disorders and lung and kidney diseases.

A more common medical cause is likely to be diabetes, because of fluctuating blood-sugar levels, acid reflux and postnasal drip. Even a common sinus infection can affect your breath with the buildup of mucus. Are there treatments for halitosis? Since most cases of halitosis originate from inside the mouth, your first step should be a re-evaluation of your basic brushing and rinsing technique. While cleaning the teeth is necessary, it is of paramount importance that you give extra focus to the tongue—this is where a large amount of the bacteria lives that’s causing your bad breath. Scrape the tongue, then floss and rinse. Remember that brushing alone cleans only 25% of your mouth. Add rinsing to get your whole mouth clean. If you don’t notice an improvement, your next step should be a visit to your dentist. Don’t be afraid or embarrassed to share your secret with a licensed professional. They’ll most likely be able to diagnose and treat the cause of your breath issues. Symptoms and causes - Bad breath - Mayo Clinic Symptoms and causes Print Symptoms Bad breath odors vary, depending on the source or the underlying cause.

Some people worry too much about their breath even though they have little or no mouth odor, while others have bad breath and don't know it. Because it's difficult to assess how your own breath smells, ask a close friend or relative to confirm your bad-breath questions. When to see a doctor If you have bad breath, review your oral hygiene habits. Try making lifestyle changes, such as brushing your teeth and tongue after eating, using dental floss, and drinking plenty of water. If your bad breath persists after making such changes, see your dentist. If your dentist suspects a more serious condition is causing your bad breath, he or she may refer you to a physician to find the cause of the odor. Causes Most bad breath starts in your mouth, and there are many possible causes. They include: Food. The breakdown of food particles in and around your teeth can increase bacteria and cause a foul odor. Eating certain foods, such as onions, garlic and spices, also can cause bad breath. After you digest these foods, they enter your bloodstream, are carried to your lungs and affect your breath. Tobacco products. Smoking causes its own unpleasant mouth odor.

Smokers and oral tobacco users are also more likely to have gum disease, another source of bad breath. Poor dental hygiene. If you don't brush and floss daily, food particles remain in your mouth, causing bad breath. A colorless, sticky film of bacteria (plaque) forms on your teeth. If not brushed away, plaque can irritate your gums and eventually form plaque-filled pockets between your teeth and gums (periodontitis). Your tongue also can trap bacteria that produce odors. Dentures that aren't cleaned regularly or don't fit properly can harbor odor-causing bacteria and food particles. Dry mouth. Saliva helps cleanse your mouth, removing particles that cause bad odors. A condition called dry mouth or xerostomia (zeer–o-STOE-me-uh) can contribute to bad breath because production of saliva is decreased. Dry mouth naturally occurs during sleep, leading to "morning breath," and it worsens if you sleep with your mouth open. Chronic dry mouth can be caused by a problem with your salivary glands and some diseases. Medications. Some medications can indirectly produce bad breath by contributing to dry mouth.

Others can be broken down in the body to release chemicals that can be carried on your breath. Infections in your mouth. Bad breath can be caused by surgical wounds after oral surgery, such as tooth removal, or as a result of tooth decay, gum disease or mouth sores. Other mouth, nose and throat conditions. Bad breath can occasionally stem from small stones that form in the tonsils and are covered with bacteria that produce odor. Infections or chronic inflammation in the nose, sinuses or throat, which can contribute to postnasal drip, also can cause bad breath. Other causes. Diseases, such as some cancers, and conditions such as metabolic disorders, can cause a distinctive breath odor as a result of chemicals they produce. Chronic reflux of stomach acids (gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD) can be associated with bad breath. Bad breath in young children can be caused by a foreign body, such as a piece of food, lodged in a nostril. Bad breath: Causes and tips for controlling it. The Journal of the American Dental Association. 2012;143:1053. Mark AM. Targeting bad breath. The Journal of the American Dental Association.

2015;146:932. What is halitosis? Academy of General Dentistry. Accessed Jan. 14, 2016. Dry mouth. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Accessed Jan. 14, 2016. Should I floss? Academy of General Dentistry. Accessed Jan. 14, 2016. Diagnosing and treating bad breath. Dental Abstracts. 2014;59:203. Tongue scrapers only slightly reduce bad breath. Academy of General Dentistry. Accessed Jan. 14, 2016. Bollen CML, et al. Halitosis: The multidisciplinary approach. International Journal of Oral Science. 2012;4:55. Salinas TJ (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Feb. 13, 2016. Related Other Names for Bad Breath Other Names for Bad Breath By Dr.

Harold Katz - Bad Breath Expert Related Articles July 2007 (2) Show All Months SUMMARY: It’s a famous quote we’ve all heard. William Shakespeare’s famous line spoken by Juliet in Romeo and Juliet “What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” But is the same for the contrary? Does bad breath smell as sour by other names? Posted: December 27, 2010 It’s a famous quote we’ve all heard. William Shakespeare’s famous line spoken by Juliet in Romeo and Juliet “What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” But is the same for the contrary? Does bad breath smell as sour by other names? Here are a few synonyms for bad breath: Halitosis – a commonly used Latinate term meaning affliction. Its origin comes from Victorian times when studies into the causes of bad breath were gaining momentum. The first recorded use of Halitosis was in 1874. J.W.

Howe’s work titled The Breath and the Diseases Which Give It a Fetid Odor states “Chronic poisoning from lead, arsenic, or mercury may also be enumerated as a common cause of halitosis.” Howe lists other possible causes of halitosis which include emotional pangs, catarrh, mineral poisons and dyspepsia. Clearly, today’s causes of bad breath have changed dramatically since the late 19th century. Fetor ex ore – Latin meaning “bad smell from the mouth.” Definitely not a common term, but an impressive one. Foul breath – sounds like a baseball term doesn’t it? No doubt the common use of chewing tobacco and (not sugar free) gum while sitting in the bullpen can lead to awful breath. Chewing tobacco can also lead to ugly gums. We suggest to you baseball players out there our PerioTherapy products and TheraBreath’s many sugar-free gums, mints and strips to keep your mouth healthy and breath fresh for after the game. Offensive breath – yet another athletic-sounding term. This one brings to mind football images and stinky breath emanating from those saliva-crusted mouth guards.

Both the offense and defense should consider rinsing their mouth guards with one of TheraBreath’s oral rinses both post and pre game. Bromopnea – a scientific term with Greek origins “bromos” meaning stink and “pnoe” meaning breath. Perhaps this term was created due to the Ancient Greek’s consumption of fatty meats and garlic. Diet can definitely create bad breath. To learn about foods that will help stop bad breath, be sure to read: . Morning Breath – a commonly used term today that not only means bad breath, but mainly the foul breath a person has when they first wake up. Morning breath often occurs when you sleep when your mouth open, leaving your palate and throat exposed and dry from the air you are breathing. Your mouth also produces less saliva while you sleep because your brain knows you aren’t eating and doesn’t need to create saliva to help breakdown food. Dry mouth absent of oxygen-rich saliva is a prime breeding ground for bad breath. Dragon breath – not a very nice term, but can often be used in playful situations. Do you know someone that has bad breath but you don’t know how to tell them?

If you have their email address, there is a way you can anonymously tell someone that they have bad breath online! Just go here: and let us tell them for you. * These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please Note: The material on this site is provided for informational purposes only. Always consult your health care professional before beginning any new therapy. What Causes Bad Breath? What Causes Bad Breath? By Shawn Watson Updated April 27, 2016 Halitosis -- known as bad breath to most -- is an embarrassing condition that can affect anyone at anytime, and is caused by several factors. The most common causes of bad breath are preventable and easily treated, however certain medical conditions may also cause bad breath. Chronic halitosis may indicate an underlying medical concern that should be addressed by your dentist or medical doctor. Learn about the most common reasons why you may experience bad breath, and when you should see a dentist for your halitosis. Cause: The Food We Eat and Digestion Photo © Shawn Marie Watson The food we eat can adversely affect our breath.

Odors from garlic, onions, cabbage, and certain spices may result in halitosis when the suspected food is absorbed into the blood tream after digestion. When the blood has transferred to the lungs, the smell from the food is evident when you exhale. With eating comes digestion, another cause of bad breath. Gasses produced during the digestive process may escape through your mouth, emanating the odor it produces. Poor digestion resulting in constipation and disorders of the bowel may contribute to bad breath again, from the gasses that are produced during this process. Cause: Infrequent Brushing and Flossing It may seem like an obvious factor, but when you examine how limited and neglected brushing and flossing habits contributes to bad breath, the cause hits you like a brick wall -- decaying food particles and bacteria trapped in your mouth. When the food we eat is left behind either because it is trapped in hard to reach places such as the wisdom teeth , the tiny hair-like follicles on the tongue, or simply because brushing and flossing is neglected, it begins to decay in your mouth. The human mouth is 98.6 F, an ideal temperature for food to begin to decompose.

When you exhale, the odor from the decomposing food, bacteria, and plaque causes the offensive odor. Cause: Oral Diseases and Infections Periodontal disease is directly related to improper or neglected brushing and flossing. One major sign of this potentially irreversible oral disease is halitosis. The accumulation of plaque , bacteria, and decomposing food particles contribute to bad breath as they destroy the delicate tissue that surrounds our teeth. The same bacteria that cause gum disease , tooth decay, and abscessed teeth are also responsible for halitosis. Cause: Dry Mouth Xerostomia is a condition that causes a decrease in the production of saliva, resulting in a dry mouth . Several factors cause xerostomia, some of which may need to be treated by your doctor. Saliva is necessary to provide lubrication the mouth to allow for proper chewing and swallowing. Saliva naturally cleanses the mouth and helps prevent cavities. If you are experiencing dry mouth, bad breath may occur because the food particles remain trapped in the mouth to rot and cause the unpleasant smell when you exhale. Cause: Cigarette Smoking The effects of smoking on our overall health and wellness are frightening.

Over 4,000 chemicals have been identified in cigarettes, 200 of which are poisonous. Lung cancer and COPD are obvious diseases that come to mind when you consider the health risk associated with the habit. But did you know smoking is also a major cause of periodontal disease? How does this relate to halitosis you ask? The smoke produced from a cigarette is inhaled into the lungs, and then exhaled through the nose and mouth. This causes an immediate effect on your breath because the chemicals and residue from the smoke remain in your mouth and airways. Continued use of cigarettes contribute to gum disease, a major cause of bad breath. Cause: Medical Conditions Unexplained or chronic bad breath may be an indication of an underlying medical condition or disease. Ketoacidosis occurs in diabetics when there is insufficient glucose in the blood for the body to use as energy. An obvious sign of this is a fruity-smelling odor in the breath. People with eating disorders may experience halitosis, as well as frequent dieters. Breath that has a fishy smell or is reminiscent of urine or ammonia may be obvious in people with chronic kidney failure.

After prolonged vomiting or if an obstruction is in the bowel, the breath may smell like feces. Sinusitis and lung infections also cause bad breath. Children with a foreign body trapped in their nose may experience halitosis. If suspected, see your doctor. Bad Breath (Halitosis): Facts on Treatments and Remedies Read more on Bad Breath (Halitosis) from Healthwise Bad Breath (Halitosis) Overview Bad breath, also called halitosis, can be an embarrassing problem. It can be caused by the foods one eats, dry mouth , tobacco products, or a medical disorder. Maintaining proper oral health can help reduce or eliminate bad breath. Bad Breath Causes Patient Comments Read 7 Comments Share Your Story Bad breath (halitosis) can be caused by a variety of things, including diet , medication, poor oral hygiene, and diseases or conditions such as diabetes , GERD , lactose intolerance , gum disease , and more. Treatment for bad breath depends on the cause. Medications that cause a dry mouth can trigger bad breath. In addition, certain medications, such as triamterene and paraldehyde, have bad breath as a side effect.

Causes of bad breath include the following: Diet When a person does not brush or floss their teeth thoroughly, food particles that may remain in the mouth can rot and cause foul odors. In addition, food particles over time can promote the growth of bacteria, which can also cause foul odors. The bacteria can also lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Foods with strong odors also affect the air a person exhales. Foods commonly known to contribute to bad breath include onions and garlic , exotic spices (such as curry), some cheeses, fish, and acidic beverages such as coffee. These foods may also cause stomach and gastrointestinal upset and belching, which can contribute to bad breath. In addition, certain supplements , such as fish oil capsules, can contribute to bad breath. Low-carbohydrate diets may also cause what is known as "ketone breath." So-called "low carb" diets cause the body to burn fat as its energy source. The end product of making this energy is ketones, which cause a fruity acetone-like odor on the breath when exhaled. Dry Mouth Bad breath can also be caused by decreased flow of saliva, which is a vital part of the digestive process and removes odor-causing particles in the mouth.

Also called xerostomia, dry mouth may be caused by medications, breathing through the mouth, or salivary gland problems. Tobacco Products In addition to causing bad breath, smoking or chewing tobacco -based products can stain teeth, irritate gum tissue, and exacerbate tooth decay. Medical Disorders The following medical disorders may cause bad breath: Gum or periodontal infection

Question: What is the common term for halitosis?
Answer: Bad Breath