Chronic halitosis is a condition in which a person produces an offensive odor from their oral or nasal regions, and they’re unable to eliminate it through normal oral hygiene techniques such as flossing and brushing. The occasional “morning breath” most people experience at one time or another is not really true halitosis. Halitosis knows no boundaries when it comes to age, sex, race, or socioeconomic levels. Furthermore, it can be truly demoralizing, and it negatively impacts the lives of as many as 50-80 million individuals in the United States alone. Because it’s such an embarassing problem, we have found that many patients are reluctant to even mention it to their physician or dentist. Another unfortunate fact is that most halitosis sufferers have no idea that they have a breath problem unless somebody directly informs them.

There are a number of possible causes of halitosis. Below, we have listed a few of the more common ones:

• Extensive dental decay
• Periodontal (gum) disease
• Oral infections or abscesses
• Oral cancers
• Xerostomia (dry mouth condition) – many medications can contribute to a condition of xerostomia
• Oral conditions resulting from post-nasal drips or discharges
• Allergy conditions
• A proliferation of specific types of gram-negative anaerobic bacteria

90% of breath problems are caused from a proliferation of specific types of gram-negative anaerobic bacteria in the mouth. This has been supported by extensive research in the field of halitosis. This proliferation is often a result of conditions such as allergies, sinus congestion or post-nasal drips, nasal polyps, and xerostomia. A common area where the bacteria congregate can actually be on the tongue itself. Because we rarely find halitosis resulting from a medical condition, we suggest that the first approach in eliminating the problem should be an oral approach. This approach is more economical, noninvasive, and has a better chance for success. We do recommend that everyone maintain their dental health by having regular professional dental care.

At Unique Smiles Dental Care we will provide you with a comprehensive oral examination , evaluating all possible causes for this condition. After providing all necessary to correct your halitosis we will make specific reccommendations to keep you free of this condition. Call 1 (586) 573-4042 for your appointment today. Don’t let a condition like this interfere with your social life.

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