$Unique_ID{BRK00171}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{What Causes Bad Halitosis?}
$Subject{halitosis bad breath mouth Respiratory tongue periodontal dental
plaque decaying teeth food foods oral ulcers ulcer bacteria bacterial
bacterium salivary gland glands odor odors nose nasal sinuses sinus diet diets
pulmonary infection infections bronchiectasis gastric reflux hiatal hernia
esophageal motility hiatus ulcer}
$Volume{H-11}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What Causes Bad Halitosis?


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QUESTION:  My friend is wonderful but her breath is terrible.  What causes bad
halitosis?

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ANSWER:  Bad halitosis--severe and persistent bad breath--is usually related
to periodontal disease.  When dental plaque, decaying teeth, food trapped
under dental restoration such as bridgework, oral ulcers, or other problems
allow the growth of bacteria that can produce bad-smelling chemicals.  Chronic
infection of the salivary glands can also cause odor.
     Another category of causes of bad breath involves infection or debris in
the nose or nasal passages and sinuses.  Careful examination, including CT
scanning or magnetic resonance imaging, may detect the source of this problem.
     Medications can cause bad breath, or problems such as kidney disease or
diabetes.  Another possibility is a diet that includes a lot of sugars, fat,
or milk products.
     If none of these is the cause, it could be a pulmonary infection such as
bronchiectasis, or gastric reflux from either a hiatal hernia or disturbed
esophageal motility (digestive movement).
     Mints and mouth washes may improve the situation for short periods of
time, but eventually only treating the underlying causes will rid the sufferer
of this embarrassment.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.