Frequently dentists are asked

about the causes and treatment for

halitosis (bad breath). Most commonly,

oral odors are created by food you’ve

eaten or periodontal (gum) disease.

Other causes can be sinus infections,

chronic gastroesophogeal reflux, anorexia,

bulimia, and diabetes. Smoking

and alcohol cause odors as well.

Foods such as garlic and onion

contain large molecules that are responsible

for their odor. These large

molecules must be excreted fully before

the odor is gone. Unfortunately,

they are removed from the body by

way of the lungs, and it can take as

long as 24 hours before the odor is

gone. Regardless of how carefully and

thoroughly you brush, floss, and use

mouthwash, the odor is only masked

and will return until all the molecules

are expended through your lungs.

Sinus infections are characterized

by pain, fullness in the sinus area, and

a thick mucous like discharge. A bacterial

infection can cause a foul odor.

Once the infection is treated, the odor

will go away.

Diabetics often have a breath odor

that is caused by ketoacidosis, a condition

that occurs when their sugar/

insulin balance is out of control. This

odor has been characterized as smelling

like acetone.

Chronic gastric (stomach) conditions

and bulimia can lead to changes

in the body chemistry that create a

sour breath odor which also can be

chronic.

Physicians treat all of the above

systemic conditions. Dentists can help

you determine what might be contributing

to breath odors and even help

you find the appropriate physician to

treat the underlying causes.

Odors caused by poor oral hygiene

and periodontal diseases are the

easiest to treat. Frequently, they can

be treated simply by changing the way

you care for your teeth and mouth. If

periodontal disease is the cause, the

disease must be treated but when the

disease is under control, the odor goes

away.

Mouth washes only mask odors