Chronic Halitosis (Medical)

Gum disease, tooth decay or infection can cause bad breath. Strong-smelling foods and drinks, smoking, fasting or crash dieting, dry mouth, tonsillitis, and acid reflux can also be involved.

Halitosis is assessed by its cause and by whether an odour can be measured, rather than by numbered stages. Assessment can distinguish true halitosis from a fear of bad breath when no odour is detected.

Smoking, dry mouth, fasting, crash dieting, gum disease, tooth decay, infection, tonsillitis, and acid reflux are all associated with bad breath. A medication history can matter because medicines may contribute to dry mouth.

Assessment includes a history of diet, smoking, tobacco, medicines, illness, respiratory symptoms and heartburn, followed by periodontal screening. Odour can be assessed directly, and tests may measure sulphides or other markers when needed.

Treatment targets the source. Tooth or gum disease needs dental care; respiratory infection, acid reflux, enlarged infected adenoids, or another non-mouth cause is treated according to that condition.

Care may include a dental and periodontal assessment, then further investigation if the mouth does not explain the odour. The steps needed depend on whether teeth, gums, dry mouth, reflux, or another condition is found.

Persistent bad breath can occur with painful, bleeding or swollen gums, toothache, loose adult teeth, or denture problems. These signs can indicate a mouth condition that needs treatment rather than breath freshening alone.

Good dental hygiene, adequate fluids, and reducing smoking address several common contributors. Treating gum disease, tooth decay, infection, dry mouth, reflux, or tonsillitis helps prevent breath odour from returning when those are the cause.