Bad Breath AKA Halitosis

Poor Oral Hygiene

Poor oral hygiene is the most common cause of bad breath. Bacteria that build up on teeth, tongue, and gums can cause plaque (the soft, white deposit that forms on the surface of the teeth), gum disease, and tooth decay.

The bacteria combine with saliva to break down food particles and proteins, which releases an unpleasant-smelling gas. If you do not brush and floss regularly, bacteria break down food trapped between your teeth, causing bad breath.

The bacteria can also live on the rough surface of your tongue. So, in addition to brushing your teeth, cleaning your tongue can also help control bad breath. Regular dental check-ups help catch and treat oral hygiene problems early. Your dentist can advise on how often you need a check-up.

Food

Certain foods cause bad breath; the most common is garlic.

Smoking

Smoking is another cause of bad breath. Smoking also causes staining, loss of taste, and gum irritation. Smoking also increases your risk of developing gum disease, which is another cause of bad breath. Stopping smoking will lower the risk of gum disease and help prevent bad breath.

Crash Dieting

Crash dieting, fasting, and low-carbohydrate diets can also cause bad breath. These cause the body to break down fat, which produces chemicals called ketones that can be smelt on your breath.

Medicines

Some medications can cause bad breath.

Medical Conditions

Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, affects saliva flow. This can cause bacteria to build up in the mouth, leading to bad breath. Dry mouth can be caused by salivary gland problems or continuously breathing through your mouth instead of your nose.

Other medical conditions that can cause bad breath include:

lung, throat or nose infections, such as bronchiectasis, bronchitis, sinusitis, diabetes, gastritis – inflammation of the lining of the stomach – and food reflux