Rehashing an old topic - Halitosis or bad breath

panchaud1318 · Post by **panchaud1318** » Sun Nov 26, 2006 11:54 am

Hi there, I know this was a subject back in 2005, but no recent posts have taken place, so I would like to re-open it. For a bit of history, I am a new CPAP user, after some two years of investigations and varied medications to figure out why I was so lethargic. CPAP therapy has done wonders for me, even in just the one month that I have been using it thus far.

My wife, however, has mentioned that since I started using the CPAP machine, my breath has gotten really bad. I am very conscious of my dental health, so I and my dentist are ruling out any dental halitosis. I use a nasal mask with a humidified APAP machine.

Can anyone comment on this or has had similar experiences? I would really like to get this under control, and I hate that my breath, even after mints / mouthwash, etc... still tends to smell like butt.

Gerald · Post by **Gerald** » Sun Nov 26, 2006 12:27 pm

Two main causes.....gum disease......and "slime" growing on the back of your tongue. Ask your dentist to carefully check for pockets of infection below the gum line.....then, order a couple of Dr. Tung tools at the following site....

http://www.drtungs.com/products/index.p ... e75abf269c

I've used a Dr. Tung scraper for a long time....great tool....gets the job done.

The gum disease is a serious matter. I'm convinced that infected gums are a major causative factor in heart disease. Sort of like slow motion blood poisoning......

It also doesn't hurt to get a "pressure washer" (Water Pic) to blast out the little particles left after flossing and brushing.....I mix 1/3 mouthwash (Listerine look-alike) with 2/3 warm water....gives the little critters a hard time....keeps 'em off balance so to speak.....harder for them to get a foothold and establish a "colony" in my mouth.

Sadie · Post by **Sadie** » Sun Nov 26, 2006 1:06 pm

I have to 'second the motion' for the Water-Pik or another similar device.
I've used one, and am very surprised at what comes out, AFTER brushing and flossing!
I also use WARM water, with mouthwash.

Sleepless in St. Louis · Post by **Sleepless in St. Louis** » Sun Nov 26, 2006 2:08 pm

You may also want to try a nasal rinse. Google Neti Pot (I think it's called). I think sinus issues can contribute to the problem.

Snoredog · Post by **Snoredog** » Sun Nov 26, 2006 6:56 pm

see your Dentist.

pipesmell · Post by **pipesmell** » Sun Nov 26, 2006 7:14 pm

ARE YOU A SMOKER? When I used to smoke, my wife always said that my nasal exhalation smelled real bad. It would get worse the heavier I smoked. Went away altogether when I quit.

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Sun Nov 26, 2006 8:28 pm

I would suggest you do a Web search on "halitosis".
There are many causes.

One other cause that came to my mind was "dry mouth". In your profile I see you have a nasal mask listed. If you're mouth-breathing or leaking therapy air out your mouth, that could also contribute to it.....particularly since you said your wife mentioned that it began when you started CPAP therapy.

Best wishes,

Den