What Causes Bad Breath?
May 19, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhao Haiming
Introduction
Halitosis refers to an unpleasant odor emanating from the mouth, commonly known as “bad breath.” In clinical documentation, it is often described simply as “oral odor.” Numerous factors can cause oral odor, including smoking and consumption of foods such as scallions, ginger, garlic, leeks, and stinky tofu. Beyond these, oral odor may also result from fermentation of food debris in the mouth—producing putrefactive substances—as well as oral inflammation, nasopharyngeal inflammation, indigestion, gastritis, and esophagitis.
In modern daily life, many people suffer from halitosis (bad breath), which can significantly affect others’ moods during conversation. So, what causes halitosis?
What Causes Halitosis?
Halitosis refers to an unpleasant odor emanating from the mouth—it is a common oral condition colloquially known as “bad breath.” In clinical documentation, it is often recorded as “oral malodor.” Common causes include smoking and consumption of strongly flavored foods such as scallions, ginger, garlic, leeks, and stinky tofu. Beyond these, food debris retained in the mouth may ferment and produce foul-smelling, decomposed substances. Additionally, oral inflammation (e.g., gingivitis or periodontitis), nasopharyngeal infections (e.g., sinusitis or tonsillitis), and gastrointestinal disorders—including indigestion, gastritis, and esophagitis—can also contribute to halitosis.
If you experience persistent halitosis, it is essential to identify its underlying cause before initiating appropriate treatment. For instance, if halitosis stems from periodontal disease, targeted periodontal therapy should be performed. It is worth noting that various malignant tumors may occur in the oral cavity, and some of these malignancies can produce a particularly foul odor. Therefore, thorough clinical evaluation is crucial: if a malignancy is detected, surgical resection is typically indicated. If no oral or pharyngeal pathology is found, gastrointestinal involvement should be considered, and referral to a gastroenterologist for further assessment and management is recommended. If none of these conditions apply and immediate medical consultation is not feasible, temporary measures—such as chewing sugar-free gum or performing thorough toothbrushing three times daily (morning, noon, and evening)—may help mitigate symptoms.
Maintaining good oral hygiene is paramount. If you are prone to halitosis, consider chewing sugar-free gum prior to social interactions to ensure fresh breath—and thereby foster more pleasant, positive interactions with others. We hope this information proves helpful!
