Bad or Changed Breath

Bad breaths are in most cases caused by problems in the mouth.

Causes

• Poor dental hygiene: Improper brushing, flossing and bad breath is caused due to food decay in the mouth.
• Infections in mouth like gum disease.
• Respiratory tract infections.
• Avoid coffee, tea and alcohol.
• Dry mouth (Xerostamia) which is caused due to medications, salivary gland problems or mouth breathing.
• Systemic diseases like diabetes, liver disease, kidney disease, lung disease, sinus disease, reflux disease .
• Psychiatric illness: In this the patient believes there is a bad breath. It is also called as pseudo halitosis.

 Prevention

• Maintaining oral hygiene.
• Brushing the teeth, tongue and gums after meals.
• Flossing daily.
• Clean your mouth after eating dairy products, fish and meat.
• Rinsing with mouthwash.
• Having dental check up regularly every 6 months
• Drink plenty of water every day.
  

You can use products to keep breath fresh and prevent from plaque formation like

• Sugar free gum.
• Sugarless breath mints.
• Raw carrots.
• Celery.

 Treatment

• Mouth washes can be given.
• Treat the cause.

 When to call the doctor

If the bad breath is associated with

• Loose teeth.
• Painful, swelling gums.
• Bleeding ums.
• Sore throat.
• Discolored nasal discharge.
• Cough with mucus.