1st of 2 parts examing Halitosis (Bad Breath) - this week - we look firstly at the various causes of the condition
Posted by Eamonn Brady on
Halitosis (Bad breath)
Part 1
Causes
The source of the bad odour is located within the oral cavity in approximately 90% of cases of halitosis meaning only a small percentage of cases are due to non-oral causes such as a serious underlying medical condition which warrants immediate referral to a doctor (eg.) Diabetes
The tongue is considered the biggest source of bad breath and is considered the main cause in up to 90% of cases by some experts; so other causes like gingivitis are considered a cause in only a fraction of causes compared to tongue hygiene.
Oral microorganisms most likely to cause halitosis are gram-negative bacteria species which includes treponema denticola and porphyromonas gingivalis.
Common Causes
- Failing to brush twice daily
- Improper cleaning of dentures
- Bad breath in morning. Affects most people and dry mouth is the cause
- Alcohol: Alcohol causes dehydration and less saliva leading to bad breath
- Smoking: called “smokers’ breath”
- Certain foods and drinks such as onion and garlic or coffee and acidic fizzy drinks
- Infection
More specific causes
- Tongue bacteria: One of the main causes of bad breath. It can be caused by catarrh from the back of the throat and nasal area. It is more often caused by a general build-up of oral bacteria due to poor dental hygiene.
- Gum disease (gingivitis): due to poor oral hygiene. Bacteria in plaque cause a bad odour
- Tooth decay: like the bacteria that cause food to break down (creating plaque) and causing gingivitis, the bacteria trapped in a decaying tooth can emit a foul smell
- Trapped food: Food getting caught between the teeth getting broken down by bacteria
- Dry mouth: Poor saliva flow means food debris is less likely to get washed away.
- Acid reflux from the stomach: These acids have a sour odour causing bad breath
- Diabetes: Diabetics are more prone to high blood sugar levels meaning higher glucose levels in saliva which promotes oral bacteria growth leading more dental plaque.
- Chest infection: phlegm or mucus infected with bacteria or viruses that a coughed up can have a smell
- Other infections: Tonsil, throat, and sinus infection: the bacteria or viruses involved can emit a foul smell
- Other chronic conditions: Certain lung conditions, kidney and liver disease, chronic irritation of the stomachand oesophagus, and autoimmune disorders such as Sjogren disease.
To be continued…next week
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