Who hasn’t felt uncomfortable when realizing they had bad breath? And what about when this problem seems to be recurring and far from solved? That’s right, bad breath isn’t always just a one-off issue and affects many people chronically every year, resulting in what we call halitosis. But what is the origin of this problem? What are the treatments? Is there a way to prevent it? We’ll answer all these questions and more in today’s article. Read until the end and check it out!
What Is Halitosis?
Halitosis is simply that characteristic unpleasant odor that comes from a person’s mouth. Although it usually results from poor oral hygiene, it’s important to investigate its causes and treat it, since halitosis that doesn’t go away may be a sign of other diseases, such as heart problems, diabetes, and even some types of cancer. It’s also important to emphasize that the bad mouth odor you notice in the morning is not halitosis. This odor appears because, when you’re asleep, you go a long time without using your mouth, neither for eating nor speaking. Also, if you sleep with your mouth open, this bad smell can be even worse due to a dry mouth. However, this issue is quickly resolved with morning brushing and is not related to true halitosis.
What Causes Halitosis?
To understand what halitosis is, it’s important to know what causes this condition. In the vast majority of cases, the culprit is the so-called lingual coating, or simply coating. This is a mass, usually white in color, made up of food debris, mucus from saliva, shed cells from the mouth, and bacteria. This lingual coating mainly appears due to poor oral hygiene, although in some cases it can also be a sign of other diseases, as we mentioned earlier. Some people are more prone to halitosis, such as those who produce less saliva, for example. No matter the origin, the truth is it creates an unpleasant odor for both the person with the condition and those around them. And to understand how to treat halitosis, it’s first important to know the main types that exist. 
Types of Halitosis
There are different types of halitosis:
- Type 1 Halitosis
- Type 2 Halitosis
- Type 3 Halitosis
- Type 4 Halitosis
- Type 5 Halitosis
Let’s talk about each of them separately, as well as their origins.
Type 1 Halitosis
In cases of type 1 halitosis, the main cause of the problem is other conditions in the person’s mouth, such as cavities, gum disease, and inflammations in the mouth or tongue. These conditions make it easier for lingual coating to form and cause bad breath. In addition, diseases such as sinusitis and a deviated septum can contribute to the development of halitosis. This is the most common type of halitosis.
Type 2 Halitosis
This is perhaps the rarest type of halitosis, which originates from diseases in the lungs, as a result of emphysema, bronchitis, or even cancer. It’s worth pointing out that, when this type of disease is present, halitosis is usually a secondary symptom—meaning, many others appear first.
Type 3 Halitosis
Also much rarer than type 1, type 3 halitosis arises due to problems in the esophagus or even gastrointestinal reflux. This type of halitosis tends to become even worse if the person does not have good oral hygiene.
Type 4 Halitosis
This type of halitosis originates from diseases that cause an accumulation of substances in the blood, such as diabetes, for example. In addition to this, kidney failure can also lead to bad breath. For people with type 4 halitosis, the bad breath tends to be different from the other types, often described as a more “sour” smell.
Type 5 Halitosis
Also known as false halitosis, type 5 is a psychological-emotional issue. It happens when people believe they have bad breath, even though there is no evidence of it. The treatment, in this case, should be with a psychologist.
Treatment for Halitosis
As you can see, halitosis can have many causes, and for this reason, the treatment will always depend on its origin. Treating the underlying disease that causes halitosis will naturally resolve the problem. It’s important to stress that taking medication on your own can be very harmful to your health and will not solve the halitosis problem. That’s why it’s highly recommended to see a doctor to treat the condition properly. On the other hand, since most cases of halitosis originate from poor oral hygiene, the treatment usually involves cleaning. It’s important for people to understand the need to adopt certain daily habits, such as brushing their teeth multiple times a day, using dental floss, and mouthwash. Without following these routines, halitosis is likely to return even after a good cleaning.
Is It Possible to Prevent Halitosis?
Prevention should be carried out exactly as you would in order to cure most cases of halitosis: with good oral hygiene. Make sure that you and your family adopt these good practices we’ve mentioned, like brushing your teeth and using dental floss regularly. This helps prevent not only this kind of problem but also certain types of social issues, since people tend to avoid those with bad breath. Of course, there are cases where it isn’t possible to prevent halitosis, such as when it’s a consequence of other diseases. However, in these cases, bad breath is the least of your problems and tends to resolve when the underlying disease is cured.
Possible Consequences of Halitosis
Aside from the consequences from diseases that can cause halitosis, the condition itself doesn’t pose many direct health risks if left untreated. However, the main negative consequences of halitosis are the social issues it brings, since a person may feel lonely and avoided by others. In some cases, this can also lead to psychological problems. Therefore, treating halitosis is a matter of both physical and mental health. Bad breath is often considered merely a social issue. And while that is true, it doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be treated. Besides possibly affecting your health in various ways, halitosis can also result in other consequences, as we’ve already mentioned. That’s why understanding how to identify this problem and, more importantly, how to treat it, is essential for achieving not just better health, but also a more peaceful social life. The two are deeply interconnected, and taking care of them is also taking care of your own life.
