Definition of halitosis

THEhalitosisor halitosis is the fact of having an unpleasant smell of breath. Most often, these are the bacteria present on the tongue or teeth that produce these odors. Although halitosis is a minor health problem, it can still be a source of stress and a social handicap.

Causes of bad breath

Most cases of bad breath originate in the mouth itself and can be caused by:

• Some foodstuffs containing oils which give off a peculiar smell, for example garlic, onions or certain spices. These foods, when digested, are transformed into potentially odorous components which pass through the bloodstream, travel to the lungs where they are the source of odorous breath until they are eliminated from the body.
• A poor oral hygiene : when oral hygiene is insufficient, the food particles that persist between the teeth, or between the gum and the teeth are colonized by bacteria emitting malodorous sulfur-based chemical compounds. The uneven microscopic surface of the tongue can also harbor food debris and odor-causing bacteria.
• A oral infection : decay or periodontal disease (infection or abscess of the gums or periodontitis).
• A dry mouth (xerostomia or hyposialia). Saliva is a natural mouthwash. It contains antibacterial substances that eliminate germs and particles responsible for bad breath. At night, the production of saliva decreases, which is the cause of bad breath in the morning.
• La alcohol consumption mouth breathing rather than through the nose and salivary gland disorders.
• Tobacco products. the tobacco dries up the mouth and smokers are also at greater risk for dental disease, which results in halitosis.
• The hormones. During ovulation and pregnancy, high hormone levels increase the production of dental plaque, which, when colonized by bacteria, can cause foul-smelling breath.

Halitosis can sometimes be a symptom of a more serious health problem such as:

• benefits respiratory diseases. A sinus or throat infection (tonsillitis) can cause a lot of mucus that causes foul breath.
• Certain cancers or metabolic problems can cause characteristic bad breath.
• Diabetes.
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease.
• Kidney or liver failure.
• Some drugs, such as antihistamines or decongestants, as well as those used to treat high blood pressure, urinary disorders or psychiatric problems (antidepressants, antipsychotics) can contribute to bad breath by drying the mouth.

Symptoms of the disease

• Have a breath whoseOdour is inconvenient.
• Many people don’t know they have bad breath, since the cells responsible for smell become unresponsive to the constant flow of bad smell.

People at risk

• People who have a dry mouth chronic.
• The elderly (who frequently have reduced saliva).

Risk factors

• Poor oral hygiene.
• Smoking.

Our doctor’s opinion

As part of its quality approach, Passeportsanté.net invites you to discover the opinion of a health professional. Dr. Catherine Solano, general practitioner, gives you her opinion on thehalitosis :