Halitosis or bad breath: causes and treatments

Halitosis, or bad breath, is one of the oral health problems that most concerns people, since it does not only affect those suffering from it but can also be detected by those around them. As a result, halitosis can cause self-esteem and confidence issues in its sufferers, which is why it is important to find out the cause and appropriate treatment for the bad breath in order to avoid physical and psychological consequences. Below we explain the meaning of and everything you need to know about halitosis, as well as how Impress can help you get rid of bad or smelly breath, if the condition is caused by dental malpositions.

What is halitosis?

You may be wondering what the meaning of halitosis is. Halitosis is a set of unpleasant odours emanating from the oral cavity, either occasionally or permanently. This bad breath is usually caused by bacteria located on the tongue or in the gingival sulcus. When this bacteria decomposes, it produces volatile sulphur compounds (VSCs), which cause the bad smell in the mouth. Hydrogen sulphide, which resides on the back of the tongue, is the main VSC that causes bad breath.

Types of halitosis or bad breath

Depending on the cause of the bad smell in the mouth, halitosis or bad breath can be one of two types. Below we explain the meaning behind both types of halitosis and the difference between the two.

Physiological halitosis

Physiological halitosis originates from the upper back of the tongue. Although the person with physiological halitosis usually has optimal oral health, when eating certain types of food, smoking or consuming alcohol, bacteria accumulates on the back of the tongue and causes a bad smell in the mouth.

Pathologic halitosis

Pathologic halitosis, on the other hand, results from oral disease, which promotes the proliferation of bacteria, causing persistent bad breath. Although, as mentioned below, there may be other causes, the oral diseases most likely to trigger halitosis are periodontal diseases, such as gingivitis or periodontitis.

Reasons for bad breath: what causes halitosis?

The reasons for bad breath vary and can originate in the mouth or elsewhere in the body. The following is an overview of the most common causes of bad breath, or halitosis:

Extra-oral halitosis

Extra-oral causes of halitosis are those that come from areas other than the mouth, such as the digestive system or the respiratory tract.

There are a number of non-oral diseases that can trigger bad breath, although extra-oral causes of halitosis are less common than intra-oral.

The most common extra-oral causes of halitosis include:

• Digestive tract infections

• Gastrointestinal diseases

• Nasal infections, such as sinusitis or rhinitis

• Hepatitis

• Haematological or endocrine system disorders

• Intra-oral halitosis

Intra-oral halitosis is caused by the changes that occur inside the mouth. Intra-oral causes are those that trigger most cases of halitosis. The most common are:

• Accumulation of food debris in the oral cavity

• Dental malpositions

• Periodontal diseases, such as gingivitis or periodontitis

• Phlegmon

• Tooth decay

• Fixed dentures or orthodontic appliances

• Xerostomia, commonly known as dry mouth

• Pharyngitis

• Ingestion of coffee, alcohol and tobacco

Some of the most common intra-oral causes of halitosis and the treatments for bad breath are discussed in more detail below.

Can tooth decay cause bad breath? The link between cavities and halitosis

Cavities are the result of the deterioration of the tooth enamel and dentin by bacteria. The cavities created by tooth decay in the teeth, and the bacteria that produce them, can result in bad breath and are thus one of the causes of halitosis.

Poor oral hygiene: one of the main causes of bad breath

Poor oral hygiene can be one of the causes of bad breath, as it leads to the accumulation of food debris in the mouth and the breeding of bacteria on the tongue or teeth.

Dental malposition, another cause of smelly breath

Different types of dental malposition, such as crowding or crooked teeth, can be causes of halitosis. These dental malpositions facilitate the accumulation of food particles on the teeth and the proliferation of bacteria, causing bad breath because it is difficult to clean the teeth properly.

Can braces cause bad breath?

Patients with fixed orthodontics, like braces, may suffer from bad breath due to the accumulation of food debris on the teeth. It is thus essential to maintain optimal hygiene in order to avoid bad mouth odour. Removable orthodontics is a good alternative to fixed appliances. They are more hygienic because they can be taken out so the aligners and teeth can be cleaned more easily.

How to get rid of bad breath: treatments to stop halitosis

The first step to successfully getting rid of bad breath is to see a specialist to identify the cause of the problem and determine the right treatment.

In cases of extra-oral halitosis, it is advisable to visit a general practitioner or a specialist to treat the root of the issue and thus stop the bad breath.

If the cause of the halitosis is intra-oral, as is the case with most patients, the specialist in charge of assessing the problem will be a dentist. For cases of intra-oral halitosis, here are some tips on how to get rid of bad breath:

• Maintain good oral hygiene: brush your teeth after every meal, paying attention to the interproximal spaces and tongue, and complement brushing with flossing.

• Use mouthwash to kill bacteria and temporarily stop bad breath.

• Keep saliva flowing in the mouth by drinking plenty of water or stimulating saliva with foods that require a lot of chewing.

• Adjust your diet and avoid foods that cause bad breath or are very sugary, as these are closely linked to tooth decay, which can in turn lead to smelly breath.

• Reduce or eliminate tobacco and alcohol consumption.

• Visit the dentist once or twice a year to prevent the onset of oral conditions.

• Have a professional hygiene once or twice a year to remove plaque from your mouth that can lead to tooth decay or periodontal disease.

• If the cause of your halitosis is related to an oral pathology, your dentist should carry out a treatment as a cure for the condition and to stop the bad breath.

• If the problem is related to dental malposition, an orthodontist must determine the cause and the most appropriate orthodontic treatment for the bad breath.

Impress: your ally in the battle against bad breath

When halitosis is caused by dental malposition, at Impress we can help you battle bad breath and cure halitosis with our removable clear orthodontic treatments. With Impress aligners we can correct malpositions, such as crowding or crooked teeth, and align your smile to prevent the accumulation of food debris and the proliferation of bacteria in your mouth that, in turn, cause smelly breath.

At Impress we offer various types of orthodontic treatments depending on your needs and the complexity of your case, with fixed prices and no surprises. We also have financing options if you prefer to pay for your orthodontic treatment in instalments.

On the other hand, in many of our clinics we have other treatments that can help you resolve the problems that can cause bad breath. Among other procedures, at Impress we carry out cavity fillings, dental cleanings and curettage. Check out all the services available at your nearest Impress clinic.

Take the first step to improving your oral health! Book an appointment online, by phone +44 20 3808 1072, or via WhatsApp.