Student: Patrinjei Bogdan Alexandru

TD. Anul II . Gr.II

Universitatea de Vest "Vasile Goldiş" din Arad

Facultatea de Medicina Dentara

Profesor : STANCUTA DIMA LAZA

Halitosis

Halitosis – or chronic bad breath – is something that mints, mouthwash or a good

brushing can’t solve. Unlike “morning breath” or a strong smell that lingers after a
tuna sandwich, halitosis remains for an extended amount of time and may be a sign of
something more serious. 
What Causes Halitosis?
If quick bad breath fixes are only covering up the problem for a short time, something
else may be happening in your body, including: 

Dental Issues: Cavities and deeper pockets from gum disease give bad breath bacteria
extra places to hide in your mouth that are difficult to clear out when you’re brushing
or cleaning between your teeth. Either can contribute to halitosis.

Mouth, Nose and Throat Infections: According to the Mayo Clinic, nose, sinus and
throat issues that can lead to postnasal drip may also contribute to bad breath. Bacteria
feeds on mucus your body produces when it’s battling something like a sinus
infection, leaving you sniffly and stinky.

Dry mouth: Saliva goes a long way for your dental health – and your breath. It rinses
and removes unwanted leftovers from your mouth, helps break down food when you
eat and provides disease-fighting substances to help prevent cavities and infections. If
you don’t make enough saliva, one sign may be halitosis. Dry mouth can be caused by
medications, certain medical conditions, alcohol use, tobacco use or excessive
caffeine. 

Smoking and tobacco: Tobacco products wreak havoc on your body and your breath.
Not only do many tobacco products leave their own odor on your breath; they can
also dry out your mouth. Smokers are also more likely to develop gum disease, which
can also add to halitosis. 

Other chronic conditions: While halitosis is most often linked to something

happening in your mouth, it may also be a sign of gastric reflux, diabetes, liver or
kidney disease. 
Handling Halitosis
If you notice your breath has been less than fresh lately, start by following a healthy
daily dental routine – brush twice a day for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste and
clean between your teeth once a day. Other things, like drinking plenty of water,
chewing sugarless gum with the ADA Seal of Acceptance and cutting back on
caffeine may also help get your saliva flowing and boost the freshness of your breath.

If you notice your bad breath persists, check in with your dentist. Together, you can
track down what the cause may be. With a proper cleaning and exam, your dentist can
help rule out any oral health problems and advise you on next steps, including what
types of dental products to use, treatment plans to take care of cavities or gum disease
or refer you to a medical provider to follow up.