Bad breath is caused by odour producing bacteria that grow in the mouth due to poor oral hygiene. When you don’t brush and floss regularly. It can be embarrassing, especially when you are in a social situation. It doesn’t help that Hollywood has made us all more conscious of our appearance. In real life, you may encounter people who will judge your appearance or smell. Disgusting as it might seem, foul smell is a fairly common problem and almost everyone will experience it. You may think that only old people get bad breath but trust us, it comes at any age due to oral hygiene issues. Bad breath isn’t just an annoyance. It could also be a sign of something more serious going on in your body. That’s why we have put together this article to explain what causes foul breath so that you can take action right away!
What is the cause of bad breath?
Bad breath is caused by bacteria that is growing in your mouth and releasing toxic gases such as sulphur compounds, ammonia and methyl mercaptan. These cause the stinky smell that you are so familiar with. Certain foods and drinks can alter the pH level in your mouth, which in turn can be a cause of bad breath. Some of these foods and drinks include:
- Certain foods like coffee, tea, cola – which are very acidic and worsen the smell of your breath.
- Dairy products such as milk, cheese or yoghurt – contain lactic acid which can also cause foul smell.
- Vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli and sprouts – contain sulphur that can cause foul breath.
Other causes of Bad Breath
- If you don’t brush and floss daily, food particles remain in your mouth, causing foul breath.
- Poor oral health and hygiene habits.
- Improper cleaning of dentures or Periodontal disease.
- Dry mouth or Xerostomia.
- Tobacco products.
- Seasonal allergies.
- Respiratory tract infections such as pneumonia.
- Diabetes or Gastrointestinal issues.
A build-up of bacteria in the mouth
Bad breath can also be caused by a build-up of bacteria in your mouth, including bacteria that causes cavities and gum disease. When you don’t clean your teeth regularly and don’t floss, plaque, the sticky substance that’s made up of bacteria, food debris, and minerals salts, can build up on your teeth and gums, causing bad breath. If you don’t treat the plaque, it can harden into tartar, which is very difficult to remove. If left untreated, plaque and tartar can cause gum disease and tooth decay.
Foul breath can also be caused by a growth of bacteria on your tongue. If you have a build-up of bacteria on your tongue, you might notice a black coating on it. This can lead to a bad taste in your mouth, especially after eating. Bad breath can also be caused by the food you eat or have eaten hours ago. Food stuck between your teeth can also lead to bad breath. Certain foods, like onions and garlic, can sit in your mouth for hours, causing bad breath.
Dry mouth causes Bad breath
Bad breath can also be caused by dry mouth, which is also known as xerostomia. If you don’t produce enough saliva, bacteria in your mouth will multiply, causing bad breath. Bad breath caused by dry mouth can also be accompanied by a tingling or a burning sensation.
A common cause of dry mouth is Sjogren’s Syndrome, a condition that causes the shrinkage of the salivary glands. Other causes of dry mouth include certain medications, certain underlying medical conditions, radiation or chemotherapy for cancer, and certain diseases or illnesses that affect the throat or mouth.
Tumours in your mouth
Bad breath can also be caused by tumors in your mouth. Some types of cancers that can cause bad breath include tonsil cancer, cancer of the tongue and mouth cancer. Bad breath can also be caused by a gum infection or gum disease. If you have a gum infection, it can spread to your teeth. The bacteria can enter your bloodstream and spread throughout your body.
Oral hygiene mistakes you may be making
Bad breath can also be caused by certain oral hygiene mistakes such as not brushing or flossing your teeth correctly, or not changing your toothbrush often enough. When you don’t brush your teeth, you allow bacteria to grow in your mouth, causing bad breath. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day, including the tongue, can help prevent foul breath. You should also replace your toothbrush every three months.
It can also be caused by not drinking enough water, which can lead to dry mouth. Not drinking enough water can also cause bad breath because it doesn’t wash away bacteria and particles in your mouth. Bad breath can also be caused by putting your fingers in your mouth. Many people put their fingers in their mouth to scratch their gums. This can spread bacteria from your gums to your teeth and cause bad breath.
Conclusion
it can be a very embarrassing and uncomfortable experience, especially if you are around other people. The good news is that there are many ways to treat bad breath and prevent it from coming back. If you notice any of the symptoms of bad breath, you should start taking care of your teeth and mouth by brushing twice a day and flossing at least once a day. It is also important to maintain a healthy diet and drink plenty of water, especially if you have a dry mouth.
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