Halitosis is not just bad breath after eating too many raw onions. It is persistent bad breath that is constant or comes back quickly after brushing. It is normal for people to have bad breath from time to time, but it is not normal when the foul smell lingers. Different types of halitosis have different causes, so there are different qualities that can help you narrow down the cause.
One of the most common types of halitosis has a sulfur-like smell. The sulfur odor is a result of bacterial growth in your mouth. It is a byproduct of digesting proteins in food, saliva, and dead cells. Furthermore, this type of odor is worse in the morning or when you have a dry mouth because the bacteria have had more time to multiply while the saliva production is low. If you have gum disease, then you have pockets in your gums where the bacteria can grow without disruption from regular brushing. You may even have a sulfur-like halitosis if you have an untreated cavity. Any spot in your teeth or gums where you need a professional cleaning in order to remove the bacteria will leave you with persistent bad breath until that problem is addressed.
Another common cause of halitosis is acid reflux, which has a sour smell. When partially digested food and stomach acid come up your esophagus, they can reach the back of your mouth. Even after brushing your teeth, the acidic smell will return. If you have acid reflux, you will most likely have some soreness in your throat from the acid, some burning sensations in your chest, and even an unpleasant taste in your mouth.
Halitosis can leave your breath smelling stale or even musty. This smell is associated with dry mouth. When you are not able to produce enough saliva to properly control the bacterial growth, the bacteria leave you with stale breath. Whether you breathe through your mouth, use tobacco, take certain medications, consume caffeine, or have a medical condition, addressing low saliva production will help you improve your musty halitosis.
If your bad breath has a more sweet or fruity smell, then you may be experiencing a body-wide metabolism problem like uncontrolled diabetes. This halitosis does not smell like the food you ate, and you may have some other symptoms that your body is not processing food and nutrients properly.
If you think you are experiencing persistent bad breath that does not improve after you brush and floss your teeth, it may be time to make an appointment with the dentist to address the root cause. During an examination, the dentist will check your teeth, gums, and tongue, review your medical history, and discuss your daily habits. The dentist will be able to help you with a treatment plan that not only helps your bad breath, but it will leave you with better overall oral health.
If you have more questions about bad breath or how addressing it could help you achieve better dental health, make an appointment with the dentist to see your treatment options for bad breath.