What is Halitosis or Bad Breath?

The most common cause of  bad breath or Halitosis is “poor oral hygiene” and its sequelae. Depending of the severity of oral hygiene, a thorough professional cleaning, will eliminate the disease and leave clean and healthy gums and teeth. Most patient respond well when they are taught how to maintain daily home care, by removing plaque from all surfaces of teeth and brushing the tongue.

Certain intra-oral conditions, e.g. periodontal disease, necrotic tissue, tonsilitis, sinusitis, pharyngitis, and old dentures are other more serious reasons why one would experience halitosis.

A number of extra-oral conditions may also cause bad breath, regardless of daily home care. They are, Lung disease (Putrefactive disease), metabolic disorders acompanied by acidosis (Diabetes), uremia from kidney disease, carcinomas of esophagus, hepatic cirrhosis, etc.

A thorough examination by your  dentist is needed to rule out each condition and find out what the source of foul order from the mouth is.