Ask the Expert (Your Health Magazine)

Question:
What is halitosis and how do you treat it?
Does it have anything to do with the food a person eats?

Dawn Estey, dental health consultant with Capital Health, answers:

Dawn Estey Dental Health Consultant

Halitosis is another term for bad breath. Bad breath is caused by the waste products of oral bacteria, primarily sulphur compounds. Causes of bad breath include:

• Foods, such as garlic and onions.
• Dieting: Individuals on diets may develop halitosis from not eating.
• Use of tobacco products.
• Poor oral hygiene: If teeth are not brushed and flossed regularly, and the tongue is not cleaned, the remaining food particles will collect bacteria. As the bacteria decompose the food, an odour can form.
• Dry mouth: Saliva acts to cleanse the mouth. If the mouth is dry, more food particles will collect. Dry mouth can be caused by some medications, medical conditions affecting the salivary glands and constant mouth breathing.
• Medical disorders such as chronic sinusitis, post-nasal drip, respiratory infections, chronic bronchitis, diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders and liver or kidney ailments.

Mouthwashes, mints and gum provide only temporary relief from bad breath. The treatment for bad breath will, obviously, depend on the cause. If an individual has persistent bad breath, he or she should first consult with a dentist. If the bad breath is not due to an oral condition, a referral to a medical doctor is indicated.

Your Health Magazine, September-October, 2005

Disclaimer
Reviewed by Alberta clinical experts. Brought to you by HealthLink Alberta. Copyright.
This material is designed for information purposes only. It should not be used in place of medical advice, instruction and/or treatment. For more health advice call Capital Health Link at 780-408-LINK (5465) 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In Alberta, call Toll-free: 1-866-408-LINK (5465)