Bad breath (halitosis) is an unpleasant condition that can significantly affect a person’s social life. Nearly 90% of bad breath originates from inside the mouth and can be effectively treated with proper diagnosis and care. In Izmir Karşıyaka, modern dental clinics identify factors such as infections, gum disease, cavities, or poor oral hygiene and provide professional treatment.
What Causes Bad Breath?
The primary cause of bad breath is the accumulation of bacteria in the mouth, which produce volatile sulfur compounds. These bacteria grow rapidly when food debris, poor cleaning, or reduced saliva flow are present.
Oral Causes
- Poor or insufficient oral hygiene
- Untreated tooth decay
- Gum disease (gingivitis, periodontitis)
- Soft tissue abscesses inside the mouth
- Low saliva flow (dry mouth)
- Oral infections, fungal issues, canker sores
- Bacterial buildup on the tongue, hairy tongue, geographic tongue
- Improperly cleaned removable dentures or bridges
- Poorly made fillings, crowns, or prosthetics causing food impaction
- Mouth breathing
- Food debris trapped between teeth
- Consumption of odor-causing foods (onion, garlic, etc.)
- Oral malignancies
Extra-Oral Causes
- Respiratory infections (sinusitis, pharyngitis)
- Gastrointestinal problems (reflux, H. pylori)
- Systemic diseases (diabetes, liver failure, lung abscess)
- Certain medications (anticholinergics, antipsychotics, antihypertensives)
Symptoms of Bad Breath
Bad breath may be accompanied by:
- Worsening odor in the morning
- Dry mouth
- A thick coating on the tongue
- Unpleasant taste in the mouth
- Bleeding gums
How Is Bad Breath Treated?
Treatment is planned according to the underlying cause. Once intraoral factors are identified, the patient is guided through proper oral hygiene practices.
- Treatment of tooth decay and infections
- Professional cleaning and periodontal therapy
- Regular brushing of the tongue
- Short-term use of mouthwash (long-term use is not advised)
- Adding probiotics to the diet to restore oral flora
If bad breath persists despite these treatments, systemic causes are considered, and the patient may be referred to an internal medicine specialist.
