Bad breath
Symptoms and causes
Symptoms and causesCauses
Bad breath, also called halitosis, can be related to various causes.
Possible causes of bad breath include:
- poor oral and/or dental hygiene, dry mouth, fasting diet, tobacco
- chronic tonsilitis with tonsil stones (caseum)
- acute/chronic sinusitis (paranasal sinus) with postnasal drip of pus-like mucous
- stomach and oesophageal conditions with burning stomach acid (reflux)
- foreign object in a child's nose
Diagnosis and treatment
Diagnosis and treatmentTreatment
You can treat bad breath on your own by incorporating some simple changes.
Modifications for better oral hygiene:
- brush your teeth at least twice a day
- floss your teeth
- scrape your tongue
- drink enough water
- avoid excessive consumption of coffee, alcohol and carbonated beverages
- avoid a mouthwash that is too irritating
- modified treatment, depending on the specific cause
Treatment centres and specialisations
Treatment centres and specialisations
Ear, nose, and throat diseases (ENT)
ENT, otorhinolaryngology, ORL
Latest publication date: 02/08/2024
Supervising author: Dr Vermeiren Judith
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Supervising author: Dr Vermeiren Judith
