A man cupping his hand over his mouth to check his breath

Bad Breath (Halitosis)

When bad breath is more than just bad breath1

Bad breath, or also known as halitosis in clinical terms, is commonly experienced by many, especially right after waking up. While bad breath may also arise due to certain food consumed or smoking, other various health conditions should not be overlooked. It could be an indication of respiratory infections, gastrointestinal disorders, kidney issues, or diabetes. Common oral health problems like dry mouth, gum disease, and deep cavities does contribute to bad breath.

Lest we think this is an adult problem, persistent bad breath in children should not be overlooked. The Malaysian National Oral Health survey found that about 70% of preschool children suffer from toothaches and dental cavities2. Poor oral hygiene is often to blame for these common oral health issues. It’s likely that these children also experienced bad breath before developing persistent toothaches and cavities. This highlights the importance of parental involvement in children’s oral hygiene to prevent bad breath and related oral health problems.

Possible causes1,4

Taking gum, mint, mouthwash and other products to eliminate bad breath is a quick short term solution, but it is better to determine the root cause and address it.

Blue mouthwash being poured from a bottle into a small cup

MOUTH

  • Poor oral hygiene
  • Tooth decay
  • Gum (periodontal) disease
  • Food stagnation in
    between teeth
  • Morning breath
  • Dry mouth (xerostomia)

CERTAIN FOOD TYPES

  • Onions
  • Garlic
  • Spices

MEDICAL CONDITIONS

  • Diabetes
  • Liver disease
  • Sinusitis or throat infection
  • Lung infection
  • Diseases of the alimentary
    tract (oesophagus and stomach)

LIFESTYLE

  • Tobacco/Smoking
  • Alcohol

How to prevent halitosis3,4

  • Brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day.
  • Since most bad breath bacteria live on the tongue, do brush the tongue too.
  • Remove dentures at night and clean them completely before putting them back in the mouth. Speak to your dentist about using deodorizing sprays or tablets.
  • If you smoke, quit. You will have better smelling breath, and a healthier body overall.
  • Keep saliva flowing by chewing on healthy snacks like carrots and apples or sugar-free gum.
  • Visit your dentist on a regular basis. Regular check ups detect problems such as gum disease, infections, and dry mouth early, and have it treated before they worsen.

When to see a doctor5

Trying to determine how bad is your own breath can be difficult. Ask a close friend or family member to confirm if they find your breath foul smelling most of the time. Practice better oral hygiene and if the bad breath is still persistent, make an appointment to see the dentist.

References: 1. https://www.malaymail.com/news/what-you-think/2023/12/09/give-heed-to-your-childrens-bad-breath-mohammad-hairique-rahman/10672 2. https://imu.edu.my/imunews/poor-oral-care-in-children-a-hidden-epidemic-3/ 3. Khouangxay FM, Alasmani ON, Alasani MM, Alqahtani NM. Causes and Management of Halitosis: A Narrative Review. Cureus. 2023 Aug 18;15(8):e42742. 4. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/halitosis-bad-breath 5. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseasesconditions/bad-breath/symptoms-causes/syc-20350922