HALITOSIS

Halitosis is another name for “bad breath”. Although there are some underlying health conditions that may cause halitosis there are some tips for prevention. I will discuss some medical conditions that can cause halitosis and tips to prevent bad breath.

Chronic sinus, nose and /or throat can definitely cause halitosis. Think post nasal drip in these circumstances. Metabolic disorders such as diabetes when undiagnosed can cause an acetone breath. Acid reflux and/or Gerd syndrome causes acid from the stomach into the mouth and can create a bad smell. Someone who has poor gum health and/or advanced stages of periodontal disease can also cause halitosis.

Prevention is key. Brushing and flossing daily minimizes bad breath and in addition to using listerine mouth rinses. Another tip is ensure your tongue is clean by using a tongue scraper and/or brushing your tongue. Many odours get trapped in the papillas on the tongue and that can lead to bad breath. When cleaning your tongue, stick tongue out and brush ONLY in one direction towards the tip of the tongue. If you are too aggressive with a back and forth motion you can damage your taste buds. Lastly but not least ensure you have your teeth cleaned professionally on a regular basis.

Although some health conditions can cause bad breath if not diagnosed, in most cases halitosis can be prevented. Regular professional dental hygiene cleanings, brushing and flossing daily can minimize bad breath. In addition, tongue cleaning and using a listerine mouth rinse daily can also help.