Bad breath, medically known as halitosis, can have several causes, ranging from simple lifestyle factors to underlying health conditions. Here are some of the most common culprits:
Oral hygiene:
Poor brushing and flossing: This allows food particles to remain in your mouth, where bacteria break them down and release foul-smelling gases.
Dry mouth: Saliva naturally helps wash away food debris and bacteria. When you don’t have enough saliva (dry mouth), bacteria can thrive and cause bad breath.
Dentures not cleaned properly: Dentures harbor bacteria just like teeth, so proper cleaning is crucial to prevent bad breath.
Diet:
Certain foods: Foods like garlic, onions, and coffee contain oils that can enter your bloodstream and travel to your lungs, affecting your breath.
Skipping meals: When you don’t eat for a long time, your body breaks down stored fat, which can produce odorous ketones, leading to bad breath.
Other factors:
Smoking and tobacco use: These habits stain teeth, decrease saliva production, and harbor odor-causing bacteria, all of which contribute to bad breath.
Medications: Some medications can cause dry mouth, a side effect that can lead to bad breath.
Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as sinus infections, acid reflux, and diabetes, can cause bad breath.
If you are concerned about bad breath and symptoms you may be experiencing call our office.