Halitosis is simply defined as a persistent, unpleasant odour in exhaled breath. Some of the CAUSES of halitosis are:

• Poor oral hygiene (Commonest cause): if you don't brush and floss teeth daily, food particles can remain in your mouth, promoting bacterial growth between teeth, around the gums, and on the tongue. This causes bad breath.
• Dry mouth (Xerostomia): Saliva is necessary to moisten the mouth, neutralize acids produced by plaque, and wash away dead cells that accumulate on the tongue, gums, and cheeks. If not removed, these cells decompose and can cause bad breath.
• Mouth breathing: Regular breathing through the mouth is a common cause of dry mouth which can also cause bad breath. This is very common in mouth breathers.
• Odoriferous foods (Onions, garlic, etc):
• Basically, all foods eaten begins to be broken down in your mouth. If you eat foods with strong odors, brushing and flossing -- even mouthwash -- merely covers up the odor temporarily. The odor will not go away completely until the foods have passed through your body.

Medications:

Some medications can cause halitosis usually because they dry out the mouth. Examples include: antihistamines, antidepressants, sedatives, amphetamines, etc.

Other medical conditions: Some diseases or illnesses may cause bad breath. Here are some to be aware of: respiratory tract infections such as pneumonia or bronchitis, chronic sinus infections, postnasal drip, diabetes, chronic acid reflux, and liver or kidney problems.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES:

• Brush your teeth twice daily: Brush your teeth using a fluoride-containing toothpaste and a medium-textured toothbrush (for Adults), Soft-textured (for children) at least twice a day, especially after meals.
• Floss at least once a day: Proper flossing removes food particles and plaque between your teeth, helping to control bad breath.
• Brush your tongue: Your tongue harbors bacteria, so brushing it carefully may help reduce bad breath. People who have a coated tongue from a significant overgrowth of bacteria (from smoking or dry mouth, for example) may benefit from using a tongue scraper. Or use a toothbrush that has a built-in tongue cleaner.
• Clean dentures or dental appliances. If you wear a removable denture, clean it thoroughly at least once a day or as directed by your dentist. If you have a dental retainer or mouth guard, clean it each time before you put it in your mouth. It's recommended that you clean your dental appliances with a mild soap and toothbrush over a clean bowl of water.
• Avoid dry mouth. To keep your mouth moist, avoid tobacco and drink plenty of water — not coffee, soft drinks or alcohol, which can lead to a drier mouth.
• Chew sugarless gums to stimulate saliva. For chronic dry mouth, your dentist or physician may prescribe an artificial saliva preparation or an oral medication that stimulates the flow of saliva.

• Adjust your diet: Avoid odoriferousus foods such as raw onionsand garlic that can cause bad breath. Eating a lot of sugary foods is also linked with bad breath. If you have to consume these foods, especially in their raw forms, please brush your teeth after.
• Regularly get a new toothbrush: Change your toothbrush before it becomes frayed. Three to four months toothbrush usage is recommended.
• Schedule regular dental checkups: See your dentist on a regular basis — generally twice a year — to have your teeth or dentures examined and cleaned.

Twice yearly checkups entail:

1) Through oral (teeth and soft tissues in the mouth) examination

2) Scaling and Polishing

TREATMENT OF HALITOSIS

This is highly dependent on the cause. After proper examination and investigations, your Dentist will arrive at a Diagnosis.

For Oral Causes,

• Oral hygiene and dietary counselling
• Mandatory Scaling and Polishing
• Possible gum curettage (deep cleaning)
• Treatment of dental caries (holes on your teeth) that needs urgent attention.
• Mouth rinses and Medications can be prescribed based on your clinical presentation.
• For other medical causes, your Dentist will refer appropriately to the attending Physician.