Bad Breath Causes And Cures?

Answer: Bad breath

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Usually a cavity or oral cancer is not the number one cause of bad breath.  Periodontal disease can cause severe halitosis (bad breath).  This is usually one of the first things a dentist will check when a patient complains of bad breath. Periodontal disease can be diagnosed using a full set of radiographs in conjunction with a comprehensive period evaluation. Periodontal disease is caused by a harmful bacterial overgrowth. There are over 350,000 disease causing bacteria in the mouth, however gram negative anaerobic bacteria  are the only species responsible for the inflammatory disease.   The bacteria that form tartar and plaque release toxins that stimulate the individual's immune system to over produce powerful infection-fighting factors called cytokines.  The only way to treat periodontal disease and maintain it without further destruction is with periodontal scaling and root planning.  This procedure can be performed by a dental hygienist, dentist or Periodontist depending I the severity of the disease.  Usually a combination of localized antibiotic placement, such as Arestin  is also recommended in conjunction with the scaling.  Once this procedure is performed, it must be maintained on a 3-4 month recall in order to keep the bacteria count under control and minimize further destruction to the bone and tissues.  Maintenance is extremely important.

Tonsil stones or tonsillar calculi may also be suspect to foul odor penetrating from the mouth. These are caused by  clusters of calcified material that form in the crevices of the tonsils.  They are white or yellowish in color and appear small in size.  They can form in both the palatine and lingual tonsils.  They are not harmful, except for they foul odor and usually can be left untreated, however if they cause pain when swallowing or are a nuscence can be removed with curettage or laser treatment. 

If neither of these are diagnosed it may be something internal and you should seek advice from your PCP or Internal medicine doctor.