What causes bad breath? Bad breath or halitosis is a result of poor dental hygiene but sometimes it can also be a symptom of other health issues. Find out how bad breath develops.
The food that you eat
Bad breath is worsen by the food you eat as well as your unhealthy lifestyle. The kind of food that you eat such as foods with strong odor like onions and garlic can cause bad breath. Brushing and even mouthwash only temporarily stops the odor.
Food particles that accumulate in your mouth are considered the primary causes of bad breath. Food that remain in your mouth especially between teeth, along the gums and tongue promote the growth of bacteria in the same areas and ultimately causes bad breath. This is why brushing and flossing as well as scraping of your tongue with a scraper are important to instantly prevent food accumulation and formation of bad breath-causing bacteria.
Poor dental hygiene
Bacteria from unwashed food particles can also accumulate in your dentures so it is very important to brush your dentures in the same way you brush your teeth after every meal.
Tobacco
Smoking cigarettes as well as chewing of tobacco-based products can also result in bad breath. These products can also stain your teeth, affect the function of your taste buds and also irritate your gums.
Gum disease
Persistent bad breath or a feeling of bad taste in your mouth even with dental hygiene may be a sign of gum or periodontal disease.
A gum disease or weakened and reddening gums may be caused by the build up of plaque on our teeth due to improper brushing or inconsistent dental care.
Bacteria buildup can also contribute to the gum disease or gum irritation and eventually bad breath. Untreated gum diseases may not only damage the gums but the jawbone as well.
Other causes of bad breath
Other causes of bad breath are a yeast infection in the mouth and tooth cavities.
A badly fitting dentures can also cause bad breath.
A medical condition called xerostomia or the drying of the mouth may be a cause of bad breath as well. The condition is characterized by the failure of saliva to aid in washing away dead cells and neutralize acids formed by plaque. Drying of the mouth can also be a side effect of a health problem such as salivary gland problems or breathing continuously only through the mouth.
Diseases such as chronic sinus infection, diabetes, pneumonia, bronchitis, liver or kidney problems and chronic acid reflux may cause bad breath.