Breath odor

Alternative names:

bad breath; halitosis

Home care:

Use proper dental hygiene (especially flossing) and remember that mouthwashes are not effective in treating the underlying problem. Frequent use of mouthwashes with a high alcoholic content may be associated with a higher incidence of oral cancer.

Fresh parsley or a strong mint are often effective ways to fight temporary bad breath. Avoid smoking.

Otherwise, follow prescribed therapy to treat the underlying cause.

Call your health care provider if:

• breath odor persists and there is not an obvious cause (such as smoking or eating odor-causing foods).
• breath odor (particularly a fruity odor, fecal odor, or ammonia odor) is accompanied by other symptoms.

What to expect at your health care provider's office:

The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting breath odor in detail may include:

• quality
  • Is there a specific odor?
    • Is there a fishy smell?
    • Does the breath smell like ammonia or urine?
    • Does the breath smell like fruit or is there a sweet-chemical smell?
    • Does the breath smell like feces?
    • Does the breath smell like alcohol?

• aggravating factors
  • Has the person recently eaten a spicy meal, garlic, cabbage, or other "odorous" food?
  • Does the person take vitamin supplements?
  • Does the person smoke?

• relieving factors
  • Does good oral hygiene improve the odor?
  • What home care measures have been tried? How effective are they?

• medical history
  • Is there a recent sore throat, sinus infection, tooth abscess, or other illness?

• other
  • What other symptoms are also present?

The physical examination will include a thorough examination of the mouth and the nose. A throat culture may be taken if the patient has a sore throat or mouth sores.

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:

• endoscopy (EGD)
• X-ray of the abdomen
• X-ray of the chest

Intervention:
Antibiotics may be prescribed for some conditions. For an object in the nose, the doctor will use a special instrument to remove it.

After seeing your health care provider:
You may want to add a diagnosis related to breath odor to your personal medical record.