Halitosis

The clinical term for bad breath. Halitosis can indicate numerous local or systemic health conditions. Local halitosis occurs when an abundance of BACTERIA that release sulfur as a waste byproduct colonize in the mouth. Systemic halitosis occurs as a response to metabolic and chemical changes that the disease process causes in the body.

LOCAL CAUSES OF HALITOSIS

• poor ORAL HYGIENE
• food stuck between TEETH
• inadequate saliva production
• TONSILLITIS, adenoiditis, SINUSITIS
• POSTNASAL DRIP

SYSTEMIC CAUSES OF HALITOSIS

• PEPTIC ULCER DISEASE
• GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISORDER (GERD)
• certain cancers
• DIABETES
• LIVER disease
• kidney disease

Treatment for underlying conditions often reduces or eliminates halitosis. When the source is ineffective ORAL HYGIENE, improved brushing and flossing techniques can help clean food debris from the MOUTH, which reduces the presence of sulfur-producing bacteria. Medications can cause dry mouth and even leave unpleasant odors in the mouth. Some people are predisposed to mouth conditions that support the presence of bacteria. Typically, a dentist treats halitosis related to oral hygiene, PERIODONTAL DISEASE, DENTAL CARIES, and other dental conditions. A doctor may recommend approaches to minimize halitosis that exists secondary to other health conditions. Thyme, eucalyptus, peppermint, and caraway are among the herbal remedies for halitosis.