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Anatomy of Bad Breath
Xerostomia - Dry Mouth FAQ
Bad Breath Doctors
Question:
What is causing bad breath? My husband has had really really bad breath for over 4 years. It's like a rotten smell and seems to worsen if he eats red meat.
If he eats things with garlic its a different smell.. it really soaks into his pores and the smell comes out his nose. At his last dentist visit he was told to floss and that his gums were infected. I try to encourage better hygiene however I think he gets discouraged when nothing seems to work.
Should we be concerned with other health problems or could this all be from an unhealthy mouth? ...Visitor from VA
Answer:
There are two types of bad breath; transitory bad breath and chronic bad breath.
Transitory bad breath and is caused by foods like garlic and onions and generally last for 24 to 72 hours.
Chronic bad breath does not improve over time. The odor of chronic bad breath results when bacteria in the mouth and on the tongue cause the formation of volatile sulfur compounds (VSC's) in the form of hydrogen sulfide.
In either case good oral hygiene is essential to include using a tongue scraper to remove the bacteria that builds up on the tongue. You may also want to inquire if your dentist carries products such as BreathRx in his/her office. If not you should be able to purchase them on-line. The BreathRx products, for example, are known to prevent and neutralize odor causing plaque and bacteria.
If your husband has chronic bad breath the solution is to minimize the bacteria in the mouth.
You said "At his last dentist visit he was told to floss and that his gums were infected." Did the dentist indicate that your husband has periodontal disease? An untreated periodontal condition causes
bad breath and can lead to tooth loss.
Editorial Staff
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