HALITOSIS comes from the Latin word “halitus,” or breath, and the Greek suffix “-osis,” meaning disease.
It is, simply put, bad breath.
One of the causes of bad breath is gum disease; that’s because the disease is caused by the concentration of bacteria in the mouth. Oral bacteria live off sweet foods that can cause tooth decay and bring problems to the gums – all leading to halitosis.
Garlic and onions are also two of the many reasons. Many people who drink beer and alcoholic drinks also know that their smelly breath give away the fact that they have been drinking.
There are other factors as well such as sinusitis, and even acid reflux when smelly acid comes up into the mouth. Or diabetes.
Without insulin to process glucose in the body, unregulated blood sugar causes diabetes. When this happens the liver produces ketones, compounds from fat that the body uses as an alternative fuel. Called ketoacidosis, it can cause bad breath and even may require the attention of a doctor.
The liver may produce so much ketones that it leads to ketosis. That’s when the body runs out of glucose and produces more fat for energy. Acetone, one of the ketones, may cause bad breath.
Or it could be inflammation that disturbs the mycobiome in the gut. It could cause dysbiosis, an imbalance in the gut that produces volatile compounds.
All of the above conditions suggest what doctors are now saying: bad breath may be a physical symptom not to be ignored. Indeed, it may indicate that beyond the bad odor from the teeth and mouth, there may be something else that is wrong with one’s health. That is, halitosis could be an indication of more serious health issues.
For example, there is Zenker’s diverticulum. This is a pouch that forms in the lining of the esophagus where food is trapped. The food putrefies and emits bad odor.
So, how does one prevent bad breath? The mostly neutral smell of fruits and vegetables helps. Drinking water is one of the simplest preventions because it produces saliva as well which prevents a dry mouth from becoming a breeding ground for smelly bacteria.
And don’t forget to brush your teeth. We have known this since we were children: toothpaste refreshes the mouth. And it prevents gum disease and tooth decay.
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Dr. Joseph D. Lim, Ed. D., is the former Associate Dean of the College of Dentistry, University of the East; former Dean, College of Dentistry, National University; Past President and Honorary Fellow of the Asian Oral Implant Academy; Honorary Fellow of the Japan College of Oral Implantologists; Honorary Life Member of the Thai Association of Dental Implantology; and Founding Chairman of the Philippine College of Oral Implantologists. For questions on dental health, e-mail jdlim2008@gmail.com or text 0917-8591515.
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Dr. Kenneth Lester Lim, BS-MMG, DDM, MSc-OI, graduated Doctor of Dental Medicine, University of the Philippines, College of Dentistry, Manila, 2011; Bachelor of Science in Marketing Management, De la Salle University, Manila, 2002; and Master of Science (MSc.) in Oral Implantology, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany, 2019. He is an Associate Professor; Fellow, International Congress of Oral Implantologists; and Fellow, Philippine College of Oral Implantologists. For questions on dental health, e-mail limdentalcenter@gmail.com/PN
