Bad breath: More than just a hassle

Medically known as halitosis, bad breath can be a nuisance for you and others around you. But more importantly, it can be an indicator of other health issues.

Bad breath can be a direct result of poor oral health care. Without brushing, flossing and rinsing properly, particles of food remain in your mouth which causes the development of bacteria.

As you can imagine, bacterial growth doesn’t produce a nice, pleasant scent. Instead it produces what is commonly referred to as bad breath.

The food you eat and other habits may also magnify the strength of bad breath. When eating, foods are broken down and carried into your bloodstream, including into your lungs and in your breath. Foods and drinks with strong odors such as garlic, pizza, coffee and cheese can greatly increase odor in your breath. Even brushing or using mouth wash right after eating may not completely remove the smell of certain foods. In this case, the smell won’t completely disappear until the food or drink completely passes through your system.

In addition to staining your teeth and causing oral infection, smoking and using tobacco products can also speed up the development of bad breath.

Bad breath can be more than an inconvenience; it could be an indicator of underlying health issues.

Commonly, bad breath is a warning sign of gum disease. As plaque and bacteria build up on your teeth, your gums can become irritated or infected. If bacteria is allowed to grow, further damage will result causing possible tooth loss, bone damage and other health issues. Gum disease is also linked to serious health problems such as stroke, heart disease and diabetes.

Bad breath can also indicate the presence of a cavity, an oral infection and dry mouth, as well as sinus infections, acid reflux, pneumonia and respiratory tract infections. So persistent bad breath shouldn’t be taken too lightly; it could be an indicator of more serious problems.

Bad breath can be managed and eliminated simply by practicing good oral hygiene. Brush, floss and rinse at least twice a day, and don’t forget to brush your tongue. Flossing is also very important to remove particles of food that brushing cannot reach.

Change your toothbrush every two to three months.

If you smoke or use tobacco products, kick the habit.

Keep your mouth moist by drinking water or chewing sugarless gum. This will help produce saliva to wash away left over food and bacteria. In addition, watch what you eat. If you suspect certain foods are negatively affecting your breath, avoid them or at least moderate your intake.

Maintain regular dental check-ups as well. With examinations, your dentist will be able to identify possible causes of bad breath and harmful problems.

Bad breath can be an embarrassing thing to discuss, but your dentist is there to help.

As long as you maintain good hygiene and take care of your mouth, you’ll be able to avoid the inconvenience of bad breath and stay healthy in the process.


Dr. Jason K. Miller is a dentist at Tanyard Springs Family Dentistry in Spring Hill.