Bad breath is often caused by excess bacteria build-up in the mouth, from leftover food particles and plaque most often missed during routine dental care. Certain foods, such as those containing high amounts of protein, give off more bacteria than others, thus worsening the condition. In most cases, the sulphuric gases given off by these bacteria are what cause bad breath.

If your bad breath is linked to dental bacteria over-growth, odds are you will be given an antibacterial mouth wash, called chlorhexidine, along with a stern reminder on the importance of brushing and flossing, regular dental check-ups, and eating a healthy, balanced diet. There are other antibiotics sometimes prescribed, if the bad breath seems to be caused by other conditions, but that isn’t commonly the case.

Bad breath also frequently occurs along with sinus and other respiratory infections, and usually goes away once the infection has been cleared up with the appropriate antibiotic. Another common infection that can cause bad breath is Strep throat, which is also treated with antibiotics, prescribed by your primary care physician.

If you have bad breath, and suffer with other symptoms such as fever, chills, or pain, it is a good idea to see your doctor, as some sort of infection is the most likely culprit. Your doctor will prescribe the needed treatment based on evaluation of your symptoms, along with diagnostic testing.

Because of the recent appearance of Super-bugs, namely MRSA, many doctors are often slow to prescribe antibiotics, thinking that over time, the body will become resistant to them, rendering them ineffective for the patient as age progresses. Your doctor may instead try alternative methods of treating your bad breath, before resorting to antibiotic use, unless there are clear signs of infection. While this is for your best interests in the long-run, it can be frustrating having to run back and forth to the doctor trying to find an effective treatment for your bad breath!

Your doctor may first suggest that you alter your diet, schedule a cleaning visit with your dentist, pay more attention to your oral hygiene, and possibly even try some alternative, herbal bad breath remedies before going the antibiotic route.

If there is an underlying medical problem believed to be causing your bad breath, your doctor may order a battery of medical tests to rule out possible conditions first, so be prepared. Treating the symptom, bad breath, without diagnosing and treating the underlying problem, will do no good in the end, antibiotics or not!