If you have halitosis despite optimal oral hygiene habits, it could be due to underlying oral health concerns, such as xerostomia (dry mouth) or hidden dental problems like gum disease. Chronic health conditions could also be a culprit, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and diabetes.
You're not alone with this problem, either. As reported by the American Dental Association, studies indicate 50% of adults have experienced halitosis at some point in their lives.
Understanding the hidden causes of halitosis despite excellent hygiene can help you get to the bottom of the problem and address persistent bad breath once and for all.
What Does Halitosis Smell Like?
The exact smell of halitosis can differ from one person to another and can vary depending on the underlying cause. Some of the most common descriptions include:
- Rotten or decaying food
- Sulfurous (smell of rotten eggs)
- Fecal-like
- Sweet and fruity
- Ammonia-like (strong and pungent)
What Is the Main Cause of Halitosis?
The primary cause of halitosis is poor oral hygiene.
A lack of or poor brushing and flossing causes food particles to get stuck between the teeth and within the mouth crevices. Bacteria in the mouth then feast on and break these leftovers down.
As the bacteria break down the food debris, the process triggers the release of chemicals, and with them, the foul odors that often characterize and describe halitosis.
Does Halitosis Ever Go Away?
Yes, halitosis can go away, although the exact method to eliminate this problem depends on the cause. If it's due to poor brushing and flossing, adopting healthy oral hygiene habits is often enough to correct the issue.
If the persistent bad breath is due to a "hidden" cause, treating the underlying problem is necessary to address halitosis.
How Can Halitosis Still Occur Even With Optimal Oral Hygiene?
While halitosis often stems from poor oral hygiene, even people who brush twice and floss once daily can still develop it as a result of problems like dry mouth and gum disease. They can also be more prone to chronic bad breath due to systemic health problems like GERD or diabetes.
Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)
According to an article from Tufts University, dry mouth, or xerostomia, reportedly affects one in five people. Its prevalence also increases with age; about 30% of adults older than 65 and 40% of individuals older than 80 experience it.
Medications, dehydration, nerve damage, and conditions like diabetes are among the primary causes of xerostomia.
Gum Disease
Gum disease is one of the most common oral health conditions affecting U.S. adults. Periodontitis, a more severe form of the disease, affects 42% of American adults 30 and older, according to the U.S. CDC.
Gum disease can cause halitosis because it encourages and supports the buildup of bacteria, plaque, and tartar in the mouth. The longer the disease goes untreated, the more pockets it causes to form between the teeth and gums.
The deep pockets trap bacteria and food particles, where they can then break down and release foul odors. The spaces are also difficult to clean and promote the development of inflammation, infection, and tooth loss.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
GERD, a chronic gastrointestinal condition, can cause halitosis by causing undigested food, gases, and stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus and mouth. The regurgitated compounds can create an acidic, sour odor that you can't eliminate with brushing or mouthwash alone.
Diabetes
People with diabetes are prone to halitosis because their high blood sugar levels promote bacterial growth and a dry mouth. It impairs their saliva's ability to clean while also increasing their risk of gum disease.
What Are Your Halitosis Treatment Options?
Undergoing professional cleanings is one way to treat halitosis and keep bad breath from returning, according to Smile Creators. Professional cleanings, also called "prophylaxis," can help fix halitosis by eliminating bacteria, plaque, and dental calculus (tartar) buildup from the teeth and under the gumline.
Eliminating halitosis that isn't due to poor hygiene requires treating the underlying condition that's causing the bad breath.
Undergoing scaling and root planing and taking antibiotics, for instance, is often necessary for treating gum disease. People with systemic conditions (e.g., GERD or diabetes) would also need to take medications as prescribed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Scaling and Root Planing (SRP)?
SRP is a minimally invasive, non-surgical procedure that aims to provide the mouth with a thorough, deep cleaning. Dentists perform the procedure to remove plaque and tartar from exposed surfaces and below the gumline.
During the scaling process, your dentist will use a scaler, a hand-held tool that allows them to scrape away deposits, or an ultrasonic instrument to chip away and flush out calculus.
Next, they'll perform root planing, which involves smoothing out the surfaces of the tooth root. Doing so can prevent further bacterial attachment and encourage the gums to reattach to the tooth.
Are There Chronic Bad Breath Remedies You Can Do at Home?
Yes. Improving oral hygiene techniques and making appropriate dietary changes are some of the things you can do at home to help address halitosis.
Always brush at least twice daily, and ensure you do so for at least 2 minutes each time. Flossing at least once a day is just as crucial.
Technique matters, too; brush in circular motions, rather than up-and-down movements. Circular motions are more effective in removing plaque, including buildup under the gumline, without being too harsh on your gums or teeth enamel.
Focusing on a hydrating diet can also help with halitosis, as it can prevent you from getting dehydrated, which could contribute to a dry mouth. Drink often, even if you don't feel thirsty. Remember: feeling thirsty is already a symptom of mild dehydration.
Keep Halitosis at Bay With These Tactics
Halitosis can impact people with poor oral hygiene and those who brush and floss with care. Having a dry mouth, gum disease, or systemic conditions like GERD and diabetes can all increase a person's risk of developing persistent bad breath.
Fortunately, halitosis treatments are available, including professional cleanings and SRP. There are also medications for diseases like GERD and diabetes.
Satisfy your curiosity further by exploring our news platform's latest headlines and informative health and lifestyle guides.
This article was prepared by an independent contributor and helps us continue to deliver quality news and information.
