Whether you call it bad breath or halitosis, it's an unpleasant condition that's cause for embarrassment. And although it might be right under their nose, some patients with bad breath aren't even aware that there's a problem. If you're concerned about bad breath, see your dentist. He or she can help identify the cause and, if it's due to an oral condition, develop a treatment plan to help eliminate it.

Sometimes it's easy to determine the cause. If you don't brush and clean between your teeth each day, particles of food remain in the mouth where they attract bacteria that cause bad breath. Food that collects between teeth, around the gums and on the tongue can leave an unpleasant odor. Dentures that are not cleaned properly also can harbor odor-causing food and bacteria.

Certain foods, such as garlic and onions, contribute to objectionable breath because they contain odor-causing compounds. When these compounds enter the bloodstream they are transferred to the lungs where they are exhaled. Brushing, cleaning between teeth and using mouthwash will only temporarily mask mouth odor until the body eliminates the food.
 

Dieters may experience bad breath when they have infrequent meals, which often result in an empty stomach. There are reports that a state of hunger may contribute to bad breath as the body breaks down its reserve of fat and protein for energy.

 

Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth is one of the warning signs of periodontal (gum) disease. Periodontal disease is a condition in which bacteria attack the tissues that surround and support teeth. Simply put, it's an infection that can result in tooth loss if not treated. With regular dental checkups, your dentist can detect and treat periodontal diseases in the early stage.

Dry mouth or xerostomia is another condition that can cause bad breath. Under normal conditions, saliva cleanses the mouth and removes many particles that may cause odor. Dry mouth occurs when the flow of saliva decreases. It may be caused by some medications, salivary gland problems or continuously breathing through the mouth. If you have dry mouth, your dentist may prescribe artificial saliva, or suggest using sugarless candy and increasing your fluid intake.

 

Tobacco products cause bad breath, stain teeth and irritate tissues. If you use tobacco, ask your dentist for tips on kicking the habit

If your dentist rules out all of the above causes, bad breath may signal a medical disorder, such as a local infection in the respiratory tract (nose, throat, windpipe, lungs), chronic sinusitis, postnasal drip, chronic bronchitis, diabetes, gastrointestinal disturbance, or liver or kidney ailment If your dentist determines that your mouth is healthy, you may be referred to your family doctor or a specialist to determine the cause of bad breath.