Anyone can suffer from bad mouth smell, which is a common problem, called Halitosis, it’s a condition that can result from some bad dental habits or it could be a sign of a certain disease.

Having this problem is very annoying and sometimes embarrassing, and can cause significant psychological distress for the person who has it. But of course, treatments are always available!

As mentioned before, there are several causes for this condition, they include the following:

1. Tobacco use: smoking and the use of tobacco products.
2. Certain foods if taken regularly when broken down can cause strong aromas, and food stuck between the teeth.
3. Dry mouth: saliva acts as a natural cleaner for the mouth, but if the mouth is dry naturally or due to a certain disease, then odors will build up in the mouth.
4. Dental hygiene: bad oral hygiene and neglect, gum disease, cavities, dentures that are not properly cleaned, all can have bacteria that causes bad mouth smell.
5. Crash diets or fasting.
6. Mouth, nose, and throat conditions: bacteria causing infection on the tonsils at the back of the throat can produce odor. Also, infections or inflammation in the nose, throat, or sinuses can cause halitosis.
7. Foreign body: Bad breath can be caused if they have a foreign body lodged in their nasal cavity, especially in children.
8. Diseases: Some diseases such as liver failure, and other metabolic diseases can cause halitosis, due to the specific mixes of chemicals that they produce. In addition to the Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can cause bad breath due to the regular reflux of stomach acids.

How to get rid of this smell?

First, it is important to consult your physician and your dentist to know the source of that smell and how to get rid of it.

Here are some treatments to avoid/get rid of bad breath:

• Brushing your teeth and flossing preferably after each meal
• Use mouthwash.
• Quit smoking.
• Brush your tongue.
• Avoid dry mouth by drinking plenty of water.
• Diet: reduce onions, garlic, spicy foods, sugary foods and coffee. Eating breakfast with rough food can help clean the back of your mouth.
• Clean dentures or any appliances that you use, such as retainers.
• Check with your physician regarding any other causes related to your throat or stomach.
• Visit your dentist for a checkup and a cleaning appointment regularly.