Is Your Halitosis Serious? Determining Serious Oral Conditions

Halitosis, most commonly known as bad breath, is one of the most common oral conditions around. All of us will experience some kind of bad breath in our lifetime. Some of us will experience halitosis on a more regular, or even chronic, basis. Fortunately, most cases of halitosis are temporary. However, in some cases halitosis is indicative of more serious medical problems. So how can you know if your halitosis is serious or not? Here are some hints on how to find out if you are experiencing halitosis as a result of a more serious underlying medical condition.

What Kind of Underlying Oral Conditions Can Cause Halitosis?

There are many kinds of oral conditions that can cause halitosis. The most common oral conditions that result in chronic halitosis include tonsilitis, periodontal disease (gum disease), rhinitis, sinusitis and ozena. However, the most common serious underlying condition is periodontal disease and chronic gingivitis. Most of the time, taking care of these conditions will result in better breath. Other underlying medical conditions can also include xerostomia, oral candidiasis (which can come about as a result of AIDS), and diabetes mellitus. In short, it is clear that bad breath is not merely a result of poor oral hygiene or the types of foods that you eat, although of course these also have a bearing on your breath.

Chronic Halitosis May Also Be a Result of Vitamin Deficiencies

Chronic halitosis may also be a result of vitamin deficiencies. Individuals who suffer from chronic vitamin or mineral deficiencies have been known to suffer from halitosis. What kind of vitamin deficiencies can also be responsible for causing chronic halitosis? The most important vitamins and minerals that are involved with halitosis include Vitamin A, Vitamin B12, Zinc and Iron. In many cases, vitamin deficiencies are a result of an underlying medical condition. Serious underlying medical conditions that can cause chronic halitosis include stomatitis, glossitis and cancers. Common cancers that can produce chronic halitosis include oral tumors and pharyngeal. Cigarette smokers and tobacco chewers or dippers are more likely to suffer from some kind of chronic halitosis.

Other Medical Conditions that Can Lead to Chronic Halitosis

There are also many other chronic underlying conditions that can lead to halitosis. Thankfully, many of these are less serious and can be cleared up or treated with proper medical attention from your medical professonal. Medical conditions that can lead to chronic halitosis include diabetes mellitus, nasal and sinus etiologies, trimethylaminuria and gastric etiologies. Many of these are chronic or systematic conditions that can lead to more serious conditions. If you suspect that your chronic halitosis is caused by any of these conditions, you should definitely contact your health professional as soon as possible.

In the Meantime – Taking Care of Your Breath and Health

If you are undergoing treatment for an underlying medical treatment or are awaiting treatment, there are certainly many things that you can do in order to keep your breath fresh and clean. This includes proper oral hygiene, including flossing and the use of mouthwash rinses, and chewing sugarless gum in order to keep your mouth moist and properly salivated.