What is Halitosis?
Halitosis is an unpleasant odor emanating from the mouth. It is not a disease in itself, but rather a symptom indicating other underlying conditions. The underlying condition is not necessarily related to oral health; it can be caused by various medical conditions that trigger the proliferation of anaerobic microflora. Their byproducts are volatile sulfur compounds, which produce the characteristic unpleasant odor.
It's important to remember that masking the odor with mints or chewing gum isn't the best solution. It's important to identify the exact cause to address the symptoms and not only eliminate discomfort but also prevent other complications.
Causes of Halitosis
Halitosis can be generalized or localized. In the former case, it is associated with dysfunction of internal organs, while in the latter, it is related to the condition of the oral cavity. The main causes of localized halitosis include:
- Improper oral hygiene, accumulation of bacterial plaque, and formation of hard dental deposits (known as tartar);
- single and multiple cavities - superficial, medium, deep;
- gingivitis and periodontitis.
Generalized halitosis can be associated with certain diseases or causes that don’t involve oral disease or hygiene, including respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases, intestinal dysbiosis, and liver, gallbladder, and kidney diseases. It can also occur with endocrine disorders, such as diabetes and thyrotoxicosis.
Many ailments cause changes in the composition, viscosity, and volume of saliva. Insufficient hydration of the mucous membranes contributes to a decrease in protective functions. If there are no obvious symptoms of dental disease, it is important to consult a general practitioner or specialist to determine the cause of bad breath.
A separate category of causes is the use of medications that cause changes in the composition of saliva or are accompanied by a side effect such as dry mouth.
Common medications with this effect include antibiotics, antivirals, substance abuse medications, and medications to regulate heart rhythm and blood pressure. Therefore, dry mouth and halitosis associated with changes in saliva composition are common in older age groups, elderly people who regularly take multiple medications.
Halitosis is felt by both the person themselves and others around them. There are two subtypes of true halitosis:
- physiological - an unpleasant odor that is observed in the morning hours, after waking up;
- Pathological – occurs regardless of conditions, usually associated with diseases of the oral cavity or internal organs. Depending on the cause, it is divided into oral and extraoral.
Morning bad breath is caused by decreased saliva production at night, allowing bacteria to thrive on the back of the tongue. If the odor disappears after oral hygiene, it's considered normal and doesn't require treatment.
In Conclusion
The primary cause of halitosis is bacterial activity. When food particles remain in the mouth, bacteria break them down and release sulfur compounds that produce a foul smell. However, it could have other, underlying causes. Dry mouth, often caused by dehydration, certain medications, or mouth breathing, can worsen the problem since saliva helps wash away food debris and bacteria.
Treating halitosis usually involves improving oral hygiene—brushing twice daily, flossing, cleaning the tongue, and staying hydrated. Regular dental checkups are essential to identify and treat any underlying dental issues. In some cases, halitosis may be linked to systemic conditions like diabetes, liver disease, or gastrointestinal problems, so persistent bad breath should always be evaluated by a healthcare professional. Call us today!