What is halitosis and what causes it?

What is halitosis and what causes it?

What is halitosis and what causes it? Bad breath can be quite embarrassing and affect people’s social lives and relationships with others.

Perhaps the first step to getting rid of bad breath (halitosis) is to determine if you truly have it. To do this, you can ask others (a friend, family member, or partner) who can confirm it for you. Alternatively, you can visit your dentist for a more detailed evaluation.

Once halitosis is confirmed, it’s important to identify its cause. Poor oral hygiene habits (e.g., not brushing teeth 2-3 times a day, not using dental floss, not brushing the tongue) are common causes. However, other factors such as consuming foods that contribute to bad breath (e.g., garlic), systemic diseases (e.g., diabetes), medications that decrease saliva flow and quality, mouth breathing, acid reflux, gum disease, and even prolonged fasting can also cause bad breath.

Other reasons may include decayed teeth, gum problems, throat, and gastric issues.

On the other hand, the treatment of halitosis is medical and should consider the underlying cause, so its approach may involve various medical specialties.

Therefore, if you experience these symptoms, it is advisable to schedule an appointment with your dentist.