What causes bad breath?

   Halitosis cannot be attributed to one single factor. The problem may have a number of origins, some of them being physiological (requiring only adequate guidance), pathological (requiring treatment), local (surgical wounds, periodontal diseases, etc), or even systemic (diabetes, renal disorders, constipation, etc). Therefore, a successful treatment is directly related to an efficient diagnosis.

  Why are halitosis sufferers not aware of their problem?

   Because their smell can get used to their own odor. Their olfactory epithelium can easily get tired or worn out, becoming used to the odor and failing to detect it (this is called olfactory fatigue). Consequently, halitosis patients soon get used to their own bad breath.

  I have been treated for an ulcer and gastritis and I still have bad breath. Why?

   This is because halitosis is not caused by gastritis or gastric ulcer. However, a patient’s breath can be altered by gastric problems such as eructation (belching) and gastro esophageal reflux (gushing).

 I am on a diet, and now I have bad breath. Why?

   Since fat is being burned, stinking gases are produced, which can be potentiated by hypoglycemia.

 Why is it important to treat halitosis?

   There is a number of reasons: 

 Social restriction: halitosis sufferers are discriminated in their social group. Partners become distant. Their halitosis is an aggression to those in contact with them.

Systemic diseases: a change in breath is one of the most evident signs presented by some systemic diseases. Halitosis can be present in alterations of the upper and lower airways, renal, hepatic, and intestinal disorders, diabetes, hormonal alterations, depression, as well as other pathologies.

Local diseases: there is growing evidence confirming a connection between halitosis and mouth problems, such as periodontal diseases, badly adjusted prosthesis, cavities, a reduction of the salivary flow, as well as tongue coating.

 What is tongue coating?

   Tongue coating can also be called a tongue bacterial plaque. Being viscous, a whitish or yellowish layer, it adheres to the dorsum of the tongue, particularly on its posterior part. The bacteria present in a coated tongue are proteolytic anaerobic, producing an offensive smell at the end of their metabolism.

 How can a halitosis sufferer be identified?

   Some people think that they have halitosis. In a number of cases, however, this is nothing but a product of their imagination. The best approach for them is asking a person in whom they trust if their breath is altered and/or uses to be strong.