Bad Breath or Halitosis is a condition in which a person tends to exhale fouls smelling breath from the mouth. Unfortunately, people who suffer from this disease are completely unaware of their problem and the discomfort they cause to others.
If you have experienced the following
• Your bad breath is interfering with your social or professional success.
• You frequently have a bad taste in your mouth.
• People step back from you when you are talking to them, or they avoid direct contact with you.
• Somebody has commented on your bad breath, or offered you mints or chewing gum.
Find out the causes of Halitosis:
• ENT Causes
Common causes are the following-
Throat infection-
Chronic Pharyngitis and or Tonsillitis, Tonsilolith-Tonsil Stone
Chronic sinusitis and post-nasal drip,
Chronic bronchitis,
• Teeth and Gum Infection
Another common cause of halitosis is bad teeth and gum conditions. Dental decay at the roots of the teeth may result in abscesses in the gums with foul-smelling pus giving an objectionable odor to the breath. Even small holes in the teeth may provide a place where germs can multiply and release foul odor.
• GIT Disorders
Most cases of bad breath, however, are caused by gastro-intestinal disorders, intestinal sluggishness and particularly by chronic constipation. The unpleasant odor results from an exceptionally large amount of waste matter expelled through the lungs.
• Diet
When a person does not brush or floss their teeth thoroughly, food particles may remain in the mouth. These particles may 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 are absorbed into the bloodstream and then transferred to the lungs, causing noticeable odors when exhaled. These foods may also cause gastrointestinal upset and belching, which can contribute to bad breath. Low carbohydrate diets may also cause what is known as ‘ketone- fruity breath.
• 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
Certain medical disorders may cause bad breath: Diabetes, Anemia, Gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD), and Liver or kidney disease,
• Dentures or Dental Appliances
Dentures or dental appliances, such as braces, can contribute to bad breath. Most often it is due to food particles that are not properly cleansed from the appliances. Loose-fitting dentures can contribute to sores and localized infections in the mouth, which can cause bad breath.
• Morning bad breath
Overnight, bacteria accumulate in the mouth, causing bad breath that is commonly referred to as ‘morning breath.’ Some people breathe through their mouth at night, which can cause dry mouth and worsen morning breath.
Bad Breath- Treatment
Self-help at Home
• Practice good oral hygiene to include: brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, brush the teeth after meals, brush the tongue, replace your toothbrush every two to three months, use dental floss regularly, dentures should be removed at night and cleaned thoroughly before being placed in your mouth, and
• Stop smoking/chewing tobacco-based products
• Keep your mouth moist by: drinking water, and chewing sugarless gum or hard candy to stimulate the production of saliva.
• Mouthwash provides a temporary way to mask bad breath odors, but it may not treat the underlying cause.
• Natural bad breath remedies include chewing on mint or parsley.
Medical Treatment
• Specific medical treatment to cure bad breath depends upon the cause.
• In patients who suffer from dry mouth (xerostomia), artificial saliva may be prescribed by a dentist.
• Dentists can also prescribe special toothpaste and mouthwash that can improve the symptoms.
• If the patient’s dentist determines that the bad breath odor is not of oral origin, the patient may be referred to a physician.
• If the odor is due to gum disease, the dentist may refer the patient to a periodontist, who specializes in treating gum conditions.
• ENT Treatment-Treat the sinusitis, Pharyngitis etc
• Medical Treatment-Treat the causes.
About Dr Paulose, FRCS (The World Class ENT Surgeon) 
