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bad breath Alternative Names halitosis, fetor oris Definition Bad breath refers to an unpleasant, unusual, or offensive odor to the breath. What is going on in the body? Bad breath can be caused by factors within the mouth, which are referred to as local factors. It may also be caused by systemic factors, which means bodywide diseases or conditions. What other signs and symptoms are associated with this symptom? A person who has bad breath may not be aware of the odor. However, his or her acquaintances and the healthcare provider are generally aware of the problem. What are the causes and risks of the symptom? Following are some local causes of bad breath: poor oral hygiene smoking tooth abscess impacted wisdom tooth certain foods, such as garlic not eating for a long time alcohol mouth or throat infections, such as strep throat gingivitis, which is an inflammation of the gums periodontitis, or an inflammation of the structures supporting the tooth sinus infection cold or flu nose infection overgrown tonsils catching food, which is common in children Some systemic, or bodywide, causes of bad breath include the following: drugs and medications kidney disease lung abscess, or pus pocket within the lungs bronchitis conditions that cause dry mouth, such as Sjogren's syndrome stomach or bowel problems constipation poorly controlled diabetes liver disease certain kinds of cancer infection with the AIDS virus What can be done to prevent the symptom? Prevention of bad breath starts with good oral hygiene. People should brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss teeth daily. Removable dentures should be taken out at night, cleaned, and soaked overnight. Mouthwash is not an effective treatment for bad breath, since it hides the real cause. Mouthwash can also irritate the tissue in the mouth. Mouthwash and breath mints are only temporary solutions and may mask more serious problems. Also, some breath mints may contain sugars, which can cause cavities. Someone in good health may have bad breath at times, such as in the morning after a long sleep. However, a person with persistent bad breath should see a healthcare professional. How is the symptom diagnosed? It is difficult to self-diagnose bad breath. If bad breath is suspected, an examination by a healthcare professional might be needed. If an underlying disease or condition is suggested by a history and physical, further tests may be ordered. What are the long-term effects of the disease? Bad breath itself has no long-term effects. However, underlying disease, such as diabetes, can cause significant problems if it goes untreated. What are the risks to others? Bad breath is not contagious and poses no risk to others. However, an underlying disorder such as AIDS may be highly contagious. What are the treatments for the disease? If improving home oral hygiene does not remove the bad breath, a healthcare professional should be seen. Once the cause of bad breath is found, the problem is usually solved quickly. What are the side effects of the treatments? There are no side effects to good oral hygiene. What happens after treatment for the disease? Once bad breath is eliminated, there should be no further treatment. How is the disease monitored? Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider.

Author: Marvin Goldfogel, DDS Date Written: 02/15/00 Reviewer: Daniel C. Pizzi, DMD Date Reviewed: 07/27/01 Potential conflict of interest information for reviewers available on request