Bad breath – The causes

Halitosis is the clinical name. You can use this term when someone comments on your breath. No, it’s not bad breath, it’s halitosis. Make sure you keep a straight face and look knowledgeable. This only works until Dr Google finds Wikipedia, and then you are done for.

Halitosis (bad breath) is a common condition caused by sulphur-producing bacteria that live within the surface of the tongue and in the throat. Sometimes, these bacteria start to break down proteins at a very high rate and odorous volatile sulphur compounds are released from the back of the tongue and throat.

The main sites in the body that causes bad breath – the mouth, the sinuses, the lungs and the stomach.

• Dental causes – such as periodontitis (calculus around the teeth causing infection and inflammation of the gums), poor oral hygiene, abscesses of the gums and teeth, or ulcers.
• Dry mouth – caused by medicines, alcohol, stress or a medical condition.
• Smoking – which starves the mouth of oxygen.

Other causes of halitosis include:

• Acid and bile reflux from the stomach
• Post-nasal discharge – for example, due to chronic sinusitis.
• Medical conditions – Kidney failure, various carcinomas, metabolic dysfunctions, and biochemical disorders.

However, these conditions only account for only a very small amount of the causes of halitosis.

• Foods – such as onions, garlic or cauliflower, which induce certain odours, but the effects are short-lived.

The treatment for halitosis will depend on the underlying cause. Smoking, dry mouth, dental infections and nasal or sinus infections can cause bad breath. Good oral hygiene including cleaning, flossing and tongue cleaning, is important. Other treatments may include mouthwashes, nasal spray or antibiotics.

Halitosis is not infectious. About 2.4% of the adult population suffers from bad breath.

Next week: Bad breath – The dental aspect