There are numerous potential causes of bad breath, and not all are to food or brushing. The following are some of the most common:1. Poor oral hygieneFood bits get stuck between your gums and teeth. When not thoroughly cleaned out, they decompose and form odorous compounds. Your mouth’s bacteria consume these bits and emit sulfur gases, which cause the bad odour.The Mayo Clinic says not flossing or brushing can also cause plaque and gum disease, both of which cause bad breath.2. Dry mouthSaliva cleans the mouth and wipes away particles that produce odour. Without enough saliva produced by your body, bad breath is the result. Dry mouth can result from medication, stress, not enough fluids, or even sleeping with your mouth open.Chronic dry mouth—xerostomia—is possibly in need of medical attention depending on the reason, as per the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.3. Food and drinkSome foods, such as onions, garlic, and spices, not only smell pungent when you eat them, but they also cause your body to emit sulfur compounds that can enter your bloodstream and lungs and be exhaled when you breathe out.Alcohol and coffee are also frequent culprits. They can dry out your mouth and disrupt the natural balance of bacteria within your mouth.4. Smoking and tobacco useTobacco products not only lead to their kind of bad breath, but they also harm gum tissue and decrease your sense of taste. Smokers are also more likely to get gum disease, which is another reason for halitosis, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.5. Medical conditionsOther times, the mouth is not the culprit at all. Chronic sinus infections, postnasal drip, and respiratory tract infections can all cause bad-smelling breath. Acid reflux (GERD) is another disorder in which stomach acids wash back up into the oesophagus, creating a sour-smelling odour that comes out through the mouth.The Cleveland Clinic also mentions that diabetes, kidney disease, and liver disease can have characteristic odours. For instance, a sweet, fruity odour may indicate uncontrolled diabetes.
Most people with chronic bad breath do not know it. This is because we tend to get accustomed to our own smell. Here are some tips to check:
Dentists also use a specialised instrument known as a halimeter, which detects levels of sulfur compounds in the breath.
How to know if you have bad breath
Now that you know what caused it, correcting bad breath is relatively easier. Below are some of the best tips:1. Enhance your oral hygiene practice
2. Drink plenty of water
3. Be careful what you eat
4. Regular visits to the dentist
5. Treat underlying medical conditions
There’s a normal amount of occasional bad breath. But if you experience a persistent bad smell that just won’t quit after brushing and flossing, it’s time to get to the bottom of it.Warning signs to watch for:
These may be symptoms of an underlying health problem that requires attention.
