Halitosis: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions

Halitosis, commonly known as bad breath, is a frequent condition characterized by the emission of unpleasant odors during breathing or speaking. It can have a significant impact on social and personal relationships, causing embarrassment and discomfort for both the affected individual and their interlocutors.

What are the causes of halitosis?

Oral halitosis
In most cases, bad breath originates in the oral cavity. The main culprits are bacteria present in the mouth, which transform certain substances into volatile sulfur compounds responsible for the unpleasant odor.

The main dental causes of halitosis include:

• Poor oral hygiene (plaque and tartar buildup)

• Tooth decay

• Improperly cleaned dentures or prostheses

• Gingivitis

• Periodontitis

• Stomatitis

Halitosis and the tongue: an area not to overlook

One of the most affected areas by bacterial proliferation is the posterior third of the tongue, which is difficult to reach with normal self-cleaning. If not cleaned properly, it can significantly contribute to the onset of bad breath.

How can it be eliminated?

Daily oral hygiene
The first step to fight halitosis is proper oral hygiene:

• Brushing teeth after every meal

• Using dental floss

• Regular tongue cleaning, even with specific tongue scrapers

• Using antibacterial mouthwashes recommended by the dentist

Professional dental check-up
If halitosis persists despite good oral hygiene, it is essential to see a dentist. The professional will be able to:

• Identify any underlying oral diseases

• Perform professional cleaning (scaling)

• Prescribe specific treatments

Halitosis not caused by the mouth: when to be concerned?

Bad breath is not always linked to oral health. In some cases, the cause may be systemic or related to other pathologies.

Extra-oral conditions associated with halitosis:

• Gastrointestinal disorders: gastritis, gastroesophageal reflux, ulcers, hiatal hernia

• Respiratory infections: tonsillitis, sinusitis, bronchitis

• Systemic diseases: diabetes, liver failure, kidney failure

When halitosis persists and is not related to oral causes, it is advisable to also consult a general practitioner or a specialist.

Bad breath is a frequent but treatable condition. In most cases, proper oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups are enough to solve the problem. If the cause is not oral, thorough medical examinations will help identify its origin.

The dentist is the first specialist to consult in case of persistent halitosis.