Halitosis / Chronic Bad Breath

Halitosis is a medical term for chronic foul breath, bad breath, and unpleasant breath odor and fetor oris. Halitosis is also known as oral malodor and it is a dental or oral disease following periodontal disease and tooth decay. Persons suffering from halitosis face embarrassing situations in public places and social gatherings.

Responsible Factors for Halitosis

Several factors are responsible for halitosis. Long intake of medications and bacterial infections are some of them. Some bacterial dwelling inside the mouth produces gaseous compounds. An unpleasant smell with breath emanates from these gaseous compounds. Intake of some medications leaves the mouth dry and the dry mouth often emits bad odor with breath. Bad breath is an outcome of many medical conditions of the body. Persons with periodontal diseases such as mouth sores and gum abscesses have complaint of bad breath. Unhygienic condition of the mouth gives off bad odor.

Professional Diagnosis

Special testing and effective treatment are a must in case persistent bad breath. Hundreds of breath clinics and dental offices claim to diagnose bad breath successfully. These diagnosis centers often use the following laboratorial methods to diagnose halitosis.

Halimeter - Halimeter is a sulfide monitor. It is used to test the presence of sulfur emissions especially hydrogen sulfide in the air of the mouth. It is also used to determine the levels of VSC-producing bacteria. Mercaptan is another sulfide monitor. Halimeter is very responsive to alcohol.

Gas Chromatography - Gas chromatography is a portable machine that has just been introduced. Oral Chroma is an example of gas chromatography. Digital measurement of the three VSCs in the air of the mouth is the utility of the technology. It is designed to measure especially hydrogen sulfide, dimethyl sulfide and methyl sulfide. It is effective in measuring the amount of sulfur components in the breath.

BANA Test - BANA test is done to measure the levels of enzyme in the saliva and determine the presence of halitosis-related bacteria.

ß-galactosidase test - This test too is performed to measure the levels of enzyme in the saliva of the mouth. The cause of oral malodor is also identified through the test.

Home-based Remedies To Halitosis

Healthy breakfast is a remedy to get rid of bad breath. It is beneficial to eat rough foods in breakfast as it keeps the backside of the tongue clean.

Wipe away the bacterial debris, mucus and biofilm from the tongue surface with a tongue scraper, brush or cleaner is helpful. An upturned teaspoon is also useful. It is good to avoid a toothbrush and scraping. The bristles of a toothbrush cause a gagging reflex in the tongue. Scrapping damages the tongue and taste buds at the back of the tongue. Brushing an antibacterial tongue gel on the tongue surface can prevent bacterial development in the mouth.

Chewing Gum - Dry mouth supports bacterial buildup and produces bad breath. Chewing a sugarless gum wets the inner wall of the mouth with saliva that inhibits the formation of bad breath. Anti-odor ingredients are among the components of chewing gums. Fennel seeds, mastic gum and cinnamon sticks are some remedies to bad breath.

Maintaining proper hygiene of the mouth, daily flossing and brushing are effective remedies to halitosis. Drinking water in plenty can do with the problem.