Causes of Bad Breath

What causes bad breath?

Oral causes are responsible for 76% of oral malodor (bad breath).  The main sources are:

• tongue coating accounts for 43% of it
• gingivitis and periodontitis accounts for 18%

The Journal of Clinical Periodontology  reported on a study from the halitosis clinic at the Catholic University Leuven in Belgium.  A protocol for not eating onions, garlic or spicy food, not drinking coffee or alcohol or smoking cigarettes, and not using chewing gum, mints, drops, scents or mouthrinses before the breath measurements was established.  Medical history, oral hygiene habits, ENT problems and diet were recorded.  A clinical examination was performed, including and organoleptic (smelling of the breath) test and an evaluation of tongue coating visually and by weighing the scrapings from the back of the tongue.

Results for bad breath

The results showed clear correlations between organoleptic scores and tongue coating scores, weight of tongue scrapings, and the objective measure of volatile sulphur compounds by the OralChroma device.  In addition, subjects who smoked, did not floss between their teeth or had a diet of predominantly soft food had more tongue coating and higher oral malodor scores.

J Clin Perio 40:180-185, 2013, as reported in Dentaltown news


Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309

Causes Of Bad Breath Other Than Needing Your Teeth Cleaned

Inflamed gums and tooth decay also produce odor.  Foods that contain oils, like onions and garlic, can cause bad breath.  After these foods are digested and the pungent oils are absorbed into the bloodstream, they're carried to the lungs and are given off while breathing until the foods are eliminated from the body.  Dry mouth, decreased salivary production, occurs during sleep and causes morning breath.  Mouth breathing does the same thing.   

Some medications can cause diminished salivary flow.  Nasal discharge in the back of the throat, from sinus or respiratory infection, is another source of bad breath.  Certain illnesses, some cancers and metabolic disorders can produce chemicals that cause distinctive breath odors.  If you have concerns, see your prosthodontist for an examination and consultation.

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309

Causes of Bad Breath

What causes bad breath?

Oral causes are responsible for 76% of oral malodor (bad breath).  The main sources are:

• tongue coating accounts for 43% of it
• gingivitis and periodontitis accounts for 18%

The Journal of Clinical Periodontology  reported on a study from the halitosis clinic at the Catholic University Leuven in Belgium.  A protocol for not eating onions, garlic or spicy food, not drinking coffee or alcohol or smoking cigarettes, and not using chewing gum, mints, drops, scents or mouthrinses before the breath measurements was established.  Medical history, oral hygiene habits, ENT problems and diet were recorded.  A clinical examination was performed, including and organoleptic (smelling of the breath) test and an evaluation of tongue coating visually and by weighing the scrapings from the back of the tongue.

Results for bad breath

The results showed clear correlations between organoleptic scores and tongue coating scores, weight of tongue scrapings, and the objective measure of volatile sulphur compounds by the OralChroma device.  In addition, subjects who smoked, did not floss between their teeth or had a diet of predominantly soft food had more tongue coating and higher oral malodor scores.

J Clin Perio 40:180-185, 2013, as reported in Dentaltown news
    
Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309