Bad Breath

Halitosis, or bad breath, is a very common problem. There are both dental and medical causes for the condition. In looking for causes, I would first consider the obvious oral causes says Dr. Cherukuri. Below is a list of possible causes of halitosis:

• Poor oral hygiene without regular brushing and flossing
• Decay or cavities in teeth, which accumulate bacteria and cause a bad smell
• Caps or crowns on teeth that may be losing cement ("cement washout"), which can cause a bad taste or smell
• Eating certain foods that can lead to bad breath
• Bacteria on the tongue, which can be cleaned with a toothbrush or tongue scraper
• Lack of regular dental cleanings every three to six months to remove plaque buildup
• Acid reflux disease or GERD

These are some of the more common reasons why one may have bad breath. Make sure you have a complete dental examination by a dentist and a full mouth cleaning by a competent hygienist. It is important first to rule out the obvious oral causes of bad breath. If every dental possibility is eliminated, I would then seek counseling with an ear, nose, and throat physician who can eliminate other causes like postnasal drip, diet, and acid reflux.