What causes 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.
According to dental studies, about 85% of people with persistent bad breath (also known as halitosis) have a dental condition that is to blame. 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.
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. Other factors can also cause halitosis: tobacco, alcohol, mouth rinses containing alcohol, garlic, onions,
There are several typical and well-known causes. 1. Food is the most well known cause of bad breath. Bad breath can be a result of foods containing particular oils such as onions and garlic. Other foods including some vegetables and spices can contribute to bad breath. Another source of bad breath arises when food left in your mouth that is caught between your teeth, or stuck to the enamel, begins to breakdown. 2. A lack of dental hygiene can be a reason for bad breath. Food particles left within your mouth will emit an odor in the event you don’t brush and floss effectively. Plaque will form on your teeth and fill pockets between your teeth affecting your gums. The result will be gum disease and bad breath. It is imperative that proper dental hygiene be maintained. 3. A dry mouth can result in bad breath. This is because dead cells congregating on your tongue, gums and cheeks break down and emit an odor. Most people are familiar with this process, since it’s the reason we wake up to b
Bad breath is also called halitosis. One of the causes of halitosis is simply poor brushing and flossing. If the bacterial plaque is allowed to accumulate on any surface of the teeth, the germs can generate an unpleasant taste and odor. Bacteria that accumulate on the tongue can also generate odor. I always recommend that when you brush your teeth, you also brush or scrape your tongue. Periodontal disease and/or tooth decay may also lead to bad breath. Periodontal disease creates defects in the tissues surrounding the teeth, which allows more plaque and food debris to accumulate below the gum line. Cavities in teeth can harbor bacteria in the rotting tooth structure. These defects make it much more difficult to do a thorough job removing the plaque. Sometimes halitosis can be caused by an underlying medical condition. If methods recommended by your dentist do not eliminate the problem, a consultation with your physician may be the next step.
