Most people can get rid of chronic halitosis by treating the underlying condition. That could be as simple as improving your oral hygiene routine. If chronic bad breath is due to an underlying health condition, then there may be some trial and error to figure out what works for you.
Halitosis is the medical name for bad breath. It's normal to have bad breath when you first wake up. It usually goes away after you have something to drink and clean your teeth. Bad breath that doesn't go away can be the sign of another condition.
What is the treatment for halitosis? If the bad breath is due to improper oral healthcare, in most cases your dentist will treat the cause of the problem. If the cause is an underlying gum disease, the condition may be treated by your dentist. Or you may be referred to an oral specialist--in most cases, a periodontist.
Just remember, the odor from what you eat can stick around until the food works its way completely out of your system – up to 3 days later! Bad breath can be reduced or prevented if you: Brush and floss more often. Practice good oral hygiene.
Your body odor can change due to hormones, the food you eat, infection, medications or underlying conditions like diabetes. Prescription-strength antiperspirants or medications may help.
The rotten egg smell comes from the breakdown of microbes that live in your digestive system. It may be as simple as addressing acid reflux with an over the counter antacid or with a stronger medication if it is more persistent.
Ask the dentist
A halimeter is a device that measures the sulfur concentration of a person's breath, and most dentist offices use them to test for smelly breath. A person can get a dental checkup and confirm if they have halitosis.
The major problem with having breath that physically repels others is that – in most cases – you can't actually smell the rancid fumes you're inadvertantly wafting into the room.
Mouthwashes that contain antibacterial agents cetylpyridinium chloride (Cepacol), chlorhexidine (Peridex) or hydrogen peroxide are effective. Closys, a toothpaste, mouthwash, and oral spray hygiene system is another option. These products kill the germs that cause bad breath and freshen your breath.
If you have bad breath that doesn't go away, schedule an appointment with your dentist. If halitosis is due to poor oral hygiene, a dental cleaning or periodontal (gum) procedure should help. If you have healthy teeth and gums, then halitosis may be linked to an issue in another part of your body.
Getting older also makes us more likely to have dry mouths, which can contribute to bad breath. Decreased saliva production allows food particles, debris, and bacteria to linger around the teeth and gums and produce a noticeable odor.
"Most people do have bad breath and just do not know it," he says. Walking around with bad breath is obviously something that most people would prefer to avoid. But before you can cure bad breath, you need to be able to tell if you have it.
Martha Dawson, D.D.S, “poor brushing and flossing are probably the primary reason, but dry mouth, gum disease, and illness—like a sinus infection or post nasal drip—can also cause some funky breath.” If you've been frustrated that the mints and gum aren't working, you shouldn't be surprised: “Mints and gum will ...
The bacteria that cause bad breath can hide in cavities in your teeth. This makes it difficult to get rid of the bacteria when you're brushing your teeth because it's hidden in places that you can't reach. Similarly, these bacteria can hide in deep pockets caused by gum disease.
Halitosis is caused by sulphur-producing bacteria in the tongue and throat. The major causes include a dry mouth caused by certain foods, smoking, poor oral hygiene and a coated tongue. The treatment of halitosis will depend on the underlying cause.
Your dentist will tell you that everyone has some degree of morning breath. The reason, when you are asleep, your mouth begins to dry out. As it dries, odor-causing bacteria begin to form. Saliva also decreases when you sleep causing your breath to be at its worst upon rising.
It would be wise to use words like “off,” “sour,” or “noticeable” rather than “offensive” or “pungent.” Approach the person with a question, not a statement. Instead of telling them that they have a problem, start by asking if they have noticed any change in their breath or taste.
If you lick your wrist, let it dry for a moment, then take a whiff, you should be able to get an idea if your breath has an odour too. Another method is to floss toward the back of your mouth, then smell the floss. Or gently scrape your tongue using a tongue scraper or soft bristle toothbrush, then smell the scraper.
Bad breath is temporary and is often caused by inadequate brushing, morning breath, or food debris left on teeth. Halitosis is a chronic condition caused by tooth decay and debris on the tongue and gums; unfortunately, halitosis cannot be resolved with simply brushing.
Olfactory reference syndrome (ORS), also known as olfactory reference disorder, is an underrecognized and often severe condition that has similarities to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). People with ORS think they smell bad, but in reality they don't.
In short, antiperspirant can make you smell worse because it alters the composition of bacteria in your armpits. And if you're a heavy sweater but only use deodorant, you may find yourself still sweating, which can make you smell worse.