Chronic Bad Breath? When It’s More Than Just Diet or Hygiene
If you have chronic bad breath, it may not be due to dental hygiene or what you eat. There could be other underlying oral or other health issues that need to be addressed. Studies reveal that as many as 50% of adults have halitosis at some point in their lives, for one reason or another.[1] Chronic bad breath, or halitosis, could be due to dry mouth, acid reflux, or another health concern you didn’t know was connected.
“There’s no single solution for how to cure bad breath, as it depends on the type of bad breath you have and what’s causing it.”
Source: Pexels.com
When Is Chronic Bad Breath More?
When chronic bad breath persists after rigorous oral hygiene and lifestyle changes, there may be something else at play. Persistent bad breath may be a sign of an underlying periodontal issue rather than temporary factors like food or dry mouth. If your bad breath smells like the coffee you just had, that could be all it is.
There are different types of bad breath smells that can be identified. If your breath smells like fish, rotten eggs, something sour, or something sweet, and you’ve not eaten anything like that, this could signal a diabetic issue that needs medical attention.[2] An ammonia-like odor may indicate kidney issues, while a musty odor may point to liver problems.
Each of these is a health concern that, if truly present, should be addressed with your periodontist and primary care provider.
How Gum Disease, Mouth Infections, and Oral Bacteria Play A Part
Gum disease, infection, and bacteria below the gumline contribute to chronic halitosis. Which means, brushing and mouthwash alone may not resolve the problem. And if your favorite bad breath oral rinse isn’t cutting it, it’s time to look deeper.
Some mouth, nose, and throat conditions, such as tonsil stones (tonsilloliths), can become covered in bacteria, leading to bad breath. Other oral infections, surgical wounds, or swelling in the mouth, nose, or throat can also cause post-nasal drip, which can contribute to halitosis. [3]
Other Habits and Health Concerns That May Lead To Chronic Bad Breath
Some medications can cause chronic bad breath due to dry mouth or chemical side effects. Diseases like cancer or diabetes can be associated with a distinct breath odor.
Gut health and bad breath are often linked, especially with digestive issues like heartburn, gastric reflux, ulcers, dyspepsia, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Bad breath from stomach issues can be reduced by identifying food or drink triggers and sensitivities and avoiding them.
Too much coffee or sugar, combined with poor oral hygiene, can worsen bad breath. Smoking and tobacco products are other obvious contributors to chronic bad breath that can be alleviated with lifestyle changes.
How To Get Rid of Bad Breath
There’s no single solution for how to cure bad breath, as it depends on the type of bad breath you have and what’s causing it. One of the most effective bad breath remedies is to maintain a strong and consistent oral hygiene routine.
Thoroughly brushing and flossing several times a day, especially after meals and coffee, will help reduce chronic bad breath. Scraping your tongue with a toothbrush or scraper after brushing may also alleviate symptoms. This is where much bacteria builds up, leading to bad breath.
Try a special mouthwash for bad breath, always after brushing and always swishing for at least 30 to 60 seconds. The best options for mouthwash are antiseptic, oxygenating, or multi-purpose rinses that fight bacteria that can cause chronic bad breath. Ask your dentist or periodontist about the best option for your particular needs.
When It’s Time To See A Periodontist
Chronic bad breath doesn’t usually signal something terribly serious. However, if all your attempts to improve halitosis prove to be ineffective, or you’re constantly having to address it, it’s time to see a periodontist
Tooth pain, sensitivity, and swelling could indicate a localized tooth infection or abscess. A periodontal evaluation will identify these signs and recommend appropriate treatment to alleviate symptoms.
Chronic bad breath treatment options that can address the root cause may include:
Thorough oral examination of the tongue, gums, cheeks, teeth, surgical sites, and any lesions
Tongue scraping and thorough oral cleaning to remove plaque, bacteria, and food debris
Thoroughly brushing and flossing
Special bad breath mouth rinses and antibacterial agents
Probiotics or probiotic gum may be prescribed
Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (light and photosensitive compounds that destroy bacteria)[4]
If you live with chronic bad breath, don’t wait for symptoms to worsen to find relief. Contact Central Texas Periodontics to explore the potential causes and best treatment options for you.
Sources:
[1]https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/bad-breath
[2]https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17771-bad-breath-halitosis
[3]https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bad-breath/symptoms-causes/syc-20350922
