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What Causes Bad Breath?

Posted on Tue, 23 Jun 2015

Question: What causes bad breath and is there truly a remedy that addresses the root cause and not the symptoms. I mean, outside brushing three times a day and taking mouthwash, is there a more deep rooted solution?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Solution will depend on the cause

Detailed Answer:
Hello and Welcome

I appreciate your concern

Common causes of Bad breath include Tonsillitis/infected tonsils, lung abscess, caries tooth, certain medication, diet habits, acid reflux and sinusitis.

Oral hygiene measures should include
use of soft bristle brush .
Mouthwash containing chlorhexidine should be used regularly .
Waxed interdental floss and warm saline gargles would also help

I would advise you to consult an oral surgeon or an ENT doctor to evaluate for the causes that I stated above. The treatment / solution will depend on the cause. For example , If there is a dental cause, clindamycin or metronidazole should be added for anaerobic bacteria coverage as they are the ones mostly responsible for the bad breath. Similarly, PPIs can be added if acid reflux is present.

Wishing you best of health

Thanks

Please consult your doctor before deciding on any further course of action.

For future follow up / correspondence you may ask me directly at the link given below

http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/Funnel?page=askDoctorDirectly&docId=68107

Dr. M.S. Khalil

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar