What are some of the causes of bad breath?
Bad breath can be caused by such things as certain foods, poor oral hygiene, gum disease, a dry mouth (xerostomia), tobacco products or a medical disorder. When bacteria accumulate because of poor oral hygiene or gum disease, or when saliva is lacking, bad breath can result. Saliva is necessary to wash away food particles and bacteria. Certain medications and disorders can lead to a dry mouth.The tongue has small ridges and grooves on the surface which can trap food, plaque and bacteria. If these grooves are not cleaned regularly with a tongue cleaner or a tooth brush, they can cause a foul odor. The back of the tongue is an especially critical area to keep clean. Sometimes a sinus infection, postnasal drip or other respiratory tract infection can cause bad breath. If bad breath is persistent, contact your dentist to determine whether the cause is of dental origin. Gum disease if left untreated can also be a major cause of bad breath. Tarter builds up around the teeth in gum disease an
