What Is Halitosis?

Non-Oral Diseases That Can Cause Chronic Bad Breath

In addition to the aforementioned oral practices (or lack thereof) that can lead to halitosis, there are also non-oral diseases that contribute to this condition. Chronic inflammation or infections in the nose, throat, and sinuses, which can lead to postnasal drip, are also known to contribute to halitosis. Certain cancers, metabolic disorders, and digestive issues that cause an influx of stomach acid, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, can cause distinctively bad breath, too, due to the chemicals they produce and release. Diabetes, though, is the most concrete contender for increasing the risk of halitosis. Other medical issues that can trigger halitosis are eating disorders (anorexia nervosa or bulimia) and other illnesses that encourage mucus to begin developing may lead to chronic bad breath.

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How Is Halitosis Diagnosed?

Testing to find the underlying cause of chronic bad breath is crucial. When the main cause of halitosis can be confirmed, a dentist can then proceed to formulate a treatment plan. To determine if the patient’s chronic bad breath is a medical problem, the dentist will sniff the patient's breath and look at their tongue. They may even scrape the patient's tongue with a tool. This inspection can gather whether the odor is caused by a dental issue, gum disease, poor dental hygiene, or another medical problem.

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