What causes bad breath?
Bad breath, also known as halitosis, can be caused by several different factors. Halitosis is a sign that a problem exists. It can be caused by the accumulation of bacteria due to improper cleaning, infected gums, lack of saliva, or a possible illness. You should contact us if you have halitosis. A proper evaluation and treatment can typically take care of the problem.
According to dental studies, about 85% of people with persistent bad breath (also known as halitosis) have a dental condition that is to blame. These conditions could be one or more of the following: • gum disease • cavities • poor oral hygiene • oral cancer • bacteria on the tongue If bad breath is the cause of a dental condition, mouthwash will only mask the odor and not cure it. Regular dental check ups & cleanings, flossing daily, and brushing your teeth & tongue twice a day can greatly reduce and possibly eliminate bad breath.
Bad breath may be caused by a variety of factors. Bad breath may be caused by periodontal disease. The bacteria in plaque and calculus, that are present in periodontal disease, can produce gases that cause the odor of bad breath. Certain foods, by themselves, or foods that cause indigestion can contribute to bad breath. Sinus problems with post-nasal drip can also be a contributing factor to bad breath. Poor oral hygiene, by leaving particles of food between the teeth or not removing plaque from the teeth, gums and even the tongue can also lead to bad breath. Some medications can also contribute to bad breath.
Although there may be a number of causes, most of the time, halitosis originates in the mouth. It is caused by oral bacteria breaking down stubborn food debris and their decay. This process creates byproducts called volatile sulfur compounds, which emit a smell similar to rotten eggs. The type of bacteria that initiates this process needs an environment that is free of oxygen, so they usually inhabit areas that are difficult to reach, such as the pockets around teeth and the fissures of the tongue. In some circumstances, the odor may be caused by a systemic condition such as diabetes or a problem in the sinuses, pharynx, lungs, or stomach. Other debris in your mouth and poor oral hygiene can also cause odor. Therefore, the first step in solving bad breath problems is to undergo a medical examination to ensure that there are not any systemic problems contributing to the condition.
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. 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.
