Halitosis – Foul smell from mouth

 Many individuals suffer from foul smell from their mouth which in scientific dental literature is termed as Halitosis or Foetor Oris. It is a highly embarrassing condition for the sufferer as well his/her spouse, friends and colleagues.  In severe, untreated or longstanding cases of Halitosis, the patients may loose their self-confidence and social relations.

Many patients complain of bad breath which they feel themselves but others do not perceive it. Such patients are not treated for Halitosis as they suffer from Pseudo-Halitosis. Very often, patients in dental clinics complain of bad breath at the time when they wake up after sleep. These patients also are not true Halitosis patients.

The local causes of Halitosis include

• Food items containing Sulphur compounds are the most common cause of bad breath.  Garlic and Onion have high number of Sulphur Compound which have very strong odor. Chewing Garlic or Onion produces malodor which stays in the mouth for long time. Consumption of Coffee, Dairy products may also cause foul odor.
• Poor dental hygiene
• Dry mouth/Medication: Some medicines reduce quantity of saliva which lead to dryness of mouth
• Mouth ulcers
• Gum infections
• Thick coating on tongue
• Nasal blockage
• Tooth cavities encouraging food stagnation

Various non-dental ailments, such as respiratory tract infections, renal diseases, tonsilitis, liver failure, stomach ailments, appendicitis, and uremia, can also cause bad breath.

One of the best at-home measures is to cleaning the coated tongue as it caters an enormous amount of the living microorganism. Clean it with a tongue scraper and then rinse with some commercially available antibacterial mouthwash.

People who need professional help for halitosis should first see a general dentist. If gum issues are involved, a periodontist is needed. If braces are present, an orthodontist is the right choice.

Once the dentist confirms oral health, he/she may refer the patient to a physician. This is to investigate any underlying systemic health issues that might be causing the bad breath.