There are many causes of bad breath but there are 4 causes of bad breath that are very common.
Dry mouth - a dry mouth provides a perfect environment for anaerobic bacteria reproduction. Long-periods of speaking, smoking, drinking alcohol and snoring are a few common reasons why people experience dry mouth. Most people experience bad breath in the morning due to lack of saliva production while they sleep. For healthy individuals, food odors are temporary and normal salivary flow will eliminate it within several minutes. However, those who suffer from dry mouth and lack of saliva find that even minor food odors may end up becoming long term bad breath problems.
Foods - Bad breath can be made worse by certain foods such as onions and garlic because they contain smelly sulfur compounds. Dairy, meat and fish contain dense proteins which are used as a food source by the anaerobic, sulfur-producing bacteria that cause bad breath. Refined and processed sugars also provide a food source for bacteria. Coffee and juices can contribute to bad breath because they are acidic and provide the bacteria with an ideal breeding environment.
Poor dental hygiene - Inadequate oral care leads to bacterial buildup on the teeth and gums. This leads to gum diseases like gingivitis and periodontitis, which can cause halitosis because the proteins from bleeding gums and diseased oral tissue provide fuel to odor-causing bacteria.
Illness and disease - According to studies, in approximately 10% of all cases, bad breath is caused by certain illnesses. Individuals who suffer from diabetes, lung disease, kidney disease, cancer, liver disease, respiratory tract infections or metabolic disorders often experience chronic bad breath due to dry mouth. Sinusitis, pneumonia, bronchitis, post nasal drip and polyps affect the airways and may cause halitosis. Other common illnesses than can cause bad breath include nasal odor, putrefaction from the tonsils, tooth decay, yeast infections of the mouth and gum disease. Certain drugs such as antidepressants, high blood pressure medications and antihistamines can cause bad breath because they reduce saliva production.
Please Note - Bad breath is rarely associated with life-threatening diseases. However, it is important that you consult your doctor or dentist as soon as you notice consistent white spots on the tonsils and sores in the mouth with or without a fever. Sometimes bad breath is triggered by severe health problems such as throat or mouth cancers, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, digestive system disorders or diabetes. Halitosis can also indicate dehydration or zinc deficiency. Taking proper care of your teeth and visiting the dentist at least twice a year are the easiest ways to avoid breath problems.
Tags:
Health