How will I know what's causing my bad breath?

Your greatest resource in starting the process of discovering what is causing your bad breath will be your dentist. Dentists take classes that specialize in the causes and treatments of halitosis. However, there are also some things that you can do at home to try and narrow your list of possibilities. First of all, consider when the smell is most offensive and whether it is related to the intake of food. (If it is, consider changing the foods you eat regularly.) Also, notice if there are any other symptoms presenting themselves with the odor. 

 

Sometimes, though very rarely, the problem of bad breath comes from the stomach rather than from the mouth. Only a doctor will be able to help you with this. Following are some examples of bad breath symptoms that show themselves and their possible causes.

 

·        Bad breath and flavor in mouth all day long: poor dental hygiene, bacteria activity on tongue, gum disease.

 

·        Bad breath after fasting, sleeping, taking medicines, etc.: an insufficient saliva flow in mouth (dryness).

 

·        Gums that smell and/or bleed: poor cleaning between the teeth, gum problems.

 

·        Bad breath that starts when talking: postnasal drip in the back of the throat.

 

·        Bad breath from denture wearers: dentures have been kept in mouth at night.

 

·        Sudden bad breath from children’s mouth: the beginning of a throat infection.

 

·        Bad breath coming from the nose: sinusitis, polyps, restricted air or mucus flow.

 

This list is by no means extensive; however, it can give you a good place to start when trying to identify the cause of your (or someone else’s) bad breath. Once again, talk to your dentist or another health professional to determine more effectively the cause and a possible solution to the problem.