What causes bad breath (halitosis) and how to resolve it?

Nov 28, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Liu Chao

Introduction

In general, bad breath or halitosis may be caused by poor oral hygiene, improper dietary habits, xerostomia (dry mouth), periodontal disease, and digestive system disorders. Treatment may include general measures and medication under a doctor's guidance. If symptoms persist, prompt medical attention is recommended. In daily life, it is advised to maintain good oral hygiene, including regular tooth brushing, flossing, and use of mouthwash.

Generally, bad breath or halitosis may be caused by poor oral hygiene, improper dietary habits, xerostomia (dry mouth), periodontal disease, and gastrointestinal disorders. General treatment and medication can be used under a doctor's guidance. If discomfort occurs, timely medical attention is recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Poor Oral Hygiene

If teeth are not brushed promptly, residual food particles, dental plaque, and tartar in the mouth provide a breeding ground for bacteria, which may lead to bad breath or halitosis. This may be accompanied by symptoms such as redness, swelling, or bleeding of the gums. It is recommended to improve oral hygiene by brushing teeth at least twice daily.

2. Improper Dietary Habits

Consuming excessive spicy, greasy, or strongly odorous foods such as onions, garlic, and coffee may leave residues in the mouth that cause unpleasant odors. Dietary habits should be adjusted to reduce the intake of such foods.

3. Xerostomia (Dry Mouth)

Xerostomia may be caused by physiological responses, medication side effects, or oral inflammation. It can lead to reduced saliva secretion and decreased oral moisture, promoting bacterial growth and resulting in bad breath or halitosis. Symptoms may also include dry mouth, thirst, dry oral mucosa, and difficulty swallowing. Treatment may include medications such as pilocarpine tablets, pentothal tablets, or anethole trithione tablets, as directed by a physician.

4. Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is often caused by systemic diseases, behavioral factors, and psychosocial elements. It may lead to a mixture of bacterial metabolic products and inflammatory exudates within the periodontal pockets, causing bad breath or halitosis. This is usually accompanied by symptoms such as gum redness and swelling, bleeding, periodontal pocket formation, and tooth mobility. Treatment options may include medications such as metronidazole tablets, amoxicillin capsules, and chlorhexidine gluconate rinse solution, as directed by a doctor.

5. Gastrointestinal Diseases

Gastrointestinal conditions such as gastritis and peptic ulcers are typically caused by dietary factors or gastrointestinal infections. These conditions may lead to increased bacterial growth in the gastrointestinal tract, producing foul-smelling gases that travel up the esophagus to the mouth, causing bad breath or halitosis. Symptoms may also include stomach pain, bloating, acid reflux, belching, and loss of appetite. Treatment options may include medications such as omeprazole enteric-coated capsules, hydrotalcite chewable tablets, and compound digestive enzyme capsules, as directed by a physician.

In daily life, it is recommended to maintain good oral hygiene by regularly brushing teeth, using dental floss, and mouthwash.

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What are the causes of bad breath?

In general, "mouth odor" refers to bad breath (halitosis), which may be caused by factors such as diet, poor oral hygiene, dental caries, gingivitis, or periodontitis. If discomfort occurs, timely medical consultation is recommended. In daily life, maintain a healthy lifestyle, eat a balanced diet with light food, quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption, maintain good oral hygiene habits, exercise regularly, and undergo routine dental check-ups.

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Having a foul, gas-like odor in the mouth

A foul smell in the mouth usually refers to bad breath (halitosis), which may be caused by dietary factors, poor oral hygiene, dry mouth, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), chronic periodontitis, etc. Improvements can be made depending on the specific cause. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention at a hospital and receive treatment under the guidance of a doctor. Reduce consumption of foods with strong odors, and alleviate bad breath by drinking milk, eating peanuts, or similar methods.

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What causes bad breath (halitosis), and how can it be resolved?

Bad breath may be caused by dietary factors, periodontitis, gastric ulcers, and other reasons. The specific analysis is as follows: Consuming foods with strong odors, such as garlic and onions, may lead to oral malodor. Proper oral hygiene should be maintained in daily life, and bad breath can be improved through brushing teeth, rinsing the mouth, chewing gum, and other methods. Periodontitis is caused by bacterial infection.