Bad Breath: What Causes It,
Why It’s a Serious Issue

By Dr. Helaine Smith

Halitosis, otherwise known as “bad breath,” makes for humorous mouthwash or chewing gum commercials.

You ate onions or forgot to brush your teeth while rushing out the door this morning? Need to freshen your breath before a date or meeting? Simply use the product and your breath will instantly become mint-y fresh.

Persistent bad breath, however, is much more difficult to deal with — and it can make you feel self-conscious and embarrassed. I’ve heard stories of people who are afraid to talk in close situations, such sales meetings, because of their breath.

This embarrassment also leads people to shun visiting the dentist — which leads to further problems because bad breath can be an indicator of more serious health issues.

But before I address these health issues, let’s talk about bad breath and its causes.

Why we get bad breath

Our mouths are full of bacteria — which live on food debris, plaque, and dead cells. Brushing regularly removes this material and the bacteria, which is why it’s important to brush your teeth every day.

While you sleep, these bacteria, which prefer anaerobic or oxygen-free conditions, grow and thrive because your mouth has been closed all night. This is why you wake up with “morning breath.”

In addition to certain foods and coffee, you can get bad breath from medications. People who take hormones that contain sulfur compounds, for example, can have breath that smells “fishy.” Your dentist can prescribe special mouthwashes that help eliminate this smell.

And, some people simply produce an excess of bacteria — which go into overdrive in the mouth. No amount of brushing or over-the-counter mouthwashes eliminate the bad breath, which is why dentists now routinely proscribe chlorine dioxide rinses — which have proven effective at killing the bacteria.

In addition to a special rinse, your dental professional may recommend a tongue scraper. Pay particular attention to the back center of your tongue — this is where the papilla are longer and where bacteria thrive.

Persistant bad breath can also indicate more serious health issues, which is why it’s important you see your dental professional — and why you shouldn’t be embarrased to do so. These problems include:

• Abscessed tooth — Bacteria cause cavities. When the inflammation from the cavity gets to the root of the tooth, it causes an abscess. This means pus is collected in the tooth’s pulp. In addition to being painful, an abscessed tooth can cause bad breath.
• Periodontal disease — Periodontal disease is a gum disease that affects the bone surrounding the teeth. Women are especially prone to periodontal disease due to hormonal changes, which affect blood supply to the gums and the gums’ response to bacterial irritants. Left untreated, periodontal disease results in lost teeth and gum tissue, and yes, bad breath.
• Liver problems — Liver problems can lower the immune system, which in turn leads to bacteria growth and bad breath. If your dental professional suspects a liver problem, he or she will refer you to a physician for further diagnoses and treatment.
• Diabetes — A fruity or sweet chemical smell to breath can indicate Diabetic ketoacidosis, a complication of diabetes. Again, if your dental professional suspects this condition, you’ll be refered to a physician.

Are you afraid to visit the dentist
because of bad breath or other issues?

I understand the anxiety you may feel about visiting the dentist — especially if you haven’t visited one in years. Once you step into my office, however, we’ll help ease your fears and discuss treatment options with you in the privacy of our exam rooms.

Whether you’re looking for advanced cosmetic treatments such as veneers or implants, or simply want regular check-ups, I can help you. Please call or email our office to set up a free consultative appointment.

To learn more, please view the Services section of our Website.

Contact Us

By phone: 617.327.1350

Through our Website: www.helainesmithdmd.com
Email: helainesmithdmd@aol.com

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