The Truth about Halitosis

Halitosis is the medical term used to describe the unpleasant odors that come out of a person’s mouth. The average person refers to the condition simply as bad breath. The impact of this problem, however, is not as simple as its name. In fact, it can have a significant personal and social impact on the sufferer and is identified as the third most common reasons for visiting the dentist.

In about 90% of cases, bad breath traces its origins in the mouth itself and the intensity varies during the day, as a result of stress, eating certain foods, smoking or consuming alcohol. Most conditions are considered transient or temporary and can easily be treated by regular brushing, flossing and the use of a specialized mouthwash. At least 25% of cases, however, is chronic and requires more focused treatment by a medical professional.

Although the exact causes of halitosis are not yet fully understood, the most unpleasant odors are believed to come from proteins processed by oral bacteria and excreted as sulfur compounds. The most common location of the odors that originate in the mouth is the back of our tongue, which is why it is important to brush not only the teeth, but the tongue as well.

For the more serious cases of bad breath, sinusitis, gum disease and gastric disorders are often pinpointed as major culprits. Odor exiting the nostrils of a person suffering from sinus infections can be quite pungent, and bacteria that grow below the gum line are known to emit a foul smell upon removal. Some gastrointestinal disorders are also said to cause bad breath due to the gases that are emitted from the stomach and exits through the mouth.

Whatever its cause, there is no doubt that halitosis has an adverse negative effect on a person’s professional, social and personal relationships, thus resulting in a low self-esteem and high stress levels. This makes immediate treatment even more important for sufferers. It is necessary that the problem is dealt with before a person’s self-esteem suffers permanent damage.