Patient's question:
I have had bad breath since I was a child. The test for Helicobacter pylori was negative. Is this the reason for my bad breath? How should I treat it? Is there a strong relationship between a negative Helicobacter pylori test and bad breath?Doctor's answer:
It's okay, bad breath can be caused by poor oral hygiene, periodontal disease, dry mouth, smoking, illness, or eating certain foods. When oral hygiene is poor, there is periodontal disease, or insufficient saliva, and bacteria accumulate, bad breath may occur again. Saliva is necessary for washing away food debris and bacteria. Certain medications, such as those for high blood pressure, psychiatric conditions, or specific diseases, may also cause dry mouth. Occasionally, infections in the nasal or respiratory tract may also lead to bad breath. If bad breath persists and occurs repeatedly, you can consult a dentist for a thorough examination to see how it relates to dental issues.