Many people suffer from the serious problem of bad breath. Some people suffer from it continuously whereas some other people suffer from it at one point of their lives. Let’s find out what are the major causes of bad breath so that he can understand them and do something to manage this difficult problem.

The major causes

Food

When the food particles break down in and around your teeth, it can result in increasing the number of bacteria present in the mouth and that can create a foul odor. Specially happens when you eat some specific foods like onions, garlic and spices. When you eat these foods and digests them, they go into your bloodstream and then are carried to your lungs, which can affect your breath.

Dry mouth

Dry mouth is another major cause of bad breath. Saliva produced in your mouth helps in cleansing the mouth. If you suffer from a condition known as xerostomia or dry mount, production of saliva in your mouth decreases. In such a condition you’re likely to suffer from bad breath. Dry mouth condition also happens naturedly during sleep and because of that you have “morning breath.” It can worsen if you sleep with your mouth open. If you suffer from chronic dry mount, it can be because of a problem with your salivary glands or some other diseases.

Tobacco products

Using tobacco products or smoking can cause unpleasant mouth odor. People who smoke and who uses oral tobacco products may also suffer from different types of gum diseases. Many people suffer from bad breath because of such gum diseases.

Mouth, nose and throat conditions

Sometimes, due to some mouth, nose and throat conditions you may suffer from the bad breath problem. Bad breath generally happens because of small stones that are seen in the tonsils which are generally covered with bacteria producing odor. Chronic inflammation or infections in the nose, sinuses or throat can also result in a bad breath problem.

Poor dental hygiene

This is one of the most common causes of bad breath. If you do not brush and floss daily than you are likely to suffer from bad breath. When you do not brush and floss daily different types of food particles may remain in your mouth and they can cause bad breath. In such a condition, a colourless, sticky film of bacteria, which is known as plaque, forms on your teeth. If you do not remove it by brushing it can irritate your gums and then result in some plaque filled pockets between your teeth and gums. This condition is known as periodontitis. Your tongue may also harbour bacteria which can cause bad breath. If you’re using dentures but you do not clean them regularly or if they do not fit in your mouth properly, they can also store bacteria in food particles which may cause bad breath.

Infections in your mouth

If you are suffering from any some infections in your mouth, they can also cause bad breath. If the infections are causing dry mouth, then you may suffer from the bad breath problem. It can also be caused by surgical wounds after oral surgery including tooth removal. Infections happening because of a tooth decay, gum disease or mouth sores may also result in bad breath.

References 1. Bad Breath Free Forever
2. Bad Breath
3. Halitosis: From diagnosis to management