Bad Breath (Halitosis) – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Bad breath has a variety of causes, but more than 80% are believed to be related to your mouth. The most common cause of bad breath is plaque, the buildup of bacteria between and around your teeth.
This article discusses the causes and treatment of bad breath.

Causes of bad breath

The causes of bad breath can be broadly divided into three categories:

Causes with oral origin:
Bad breath can be caused by plaque and tartar, tongue discharge, mouth ulcers, tooth decay and periodontal disease.

Causes with gastrointestinal origin:
Bad breath can be caused by gastrointestinal disorders, acid reflux, liver disease, and kidney disease.

Causes with systemic origin:
Bad breath can be caused by among others by diabetes, hypertension, cancer and immune disorders.

Preventing and taking care of bad breath

The following methods can be used to prevent and take care of bad breath:

・Daily brushing and flossing
・Removing plaque and tartar with an interdental brush
・Brushing your tongue (Recommended especially in the morning)
・Chewing food well
・Drinking plenty of water
・Stop smoking
・Using mouthwash
・Taking breath care supplements

Treating bad breath

Treatment of bad breath depends on the cause.
If the cause is oral, the dentist will remove plaque and tartar, treat tongue discharge, and treat tooth decay and gum disease.
In other cases, early treatment of mouth ulcers may improve the condition.
Bad breath can be hard to notice. If you are concerned about bad breath, see a dentist or doctor as soon as possible to determine the cause.

The Toranomon Hills Dental Medical Ryu Clinic offers free consultations for a variety of dental problems.
You can be sure that we will always make suggestions that are appropriate for your situation and that we will always work with you to determine the best treatment plan.
Please do not give up and consult with us first.