Bad Breath

Bad breath is an unpleasant smell develops in the mouth which is sometimes embarrassing. In the medical profession, bad breath is known as Halitosis. Bad breath can occur mainly because of the kind of food a person eats, improper oral hygiene, some diseases or other factors.

What are the factors responsible for bad breath?

There are multiple risk factors and reasons for bad breath, even a healthy person can develop bad breath on occasion depending on medical conditions. Some common causes of bad breath include the following:

• Food : Food is a primary source responsible for the occurrence of bad odors from the mouth. There are some ingredients used such as garlic, onions, exotic spices and foods, some cheeses, fish, and acidic beverages such as the coffee can produce bad smell. Sometimes the smell is for a shorter period and few are permanent. When we eat something, food particles may get stuck between the teeth, encouraging the growth of bacteria and dental plaques, which leads to bad breath.
• Poor oral health : Brushing ad flossing twice a day improves oral hygiene and minimize the risk of bad breath. If the proper care not taken, the food particles stacked between the teeth rot and produce bacteria build up plaque and produce bad odor in the mouth.
• Health problems : Some medical conditions like sinus infections, pneumonia, sore throat and other infections such as the common cold, flu, tonsil, thrush, diabetes, digestion problems, and some liver diseases or kidney diseases may be associated with bad breath.
• Dry mouth : Saliva created in the mouth moist and cleanse the mouth, cleanse the teeth and also restrict the activity of bacteria present in the mouth. If the body does not produce enough saliva makes mouth dry and result in bad breath.
• Medications : Medications used to treat some allergies, diseases or some medical conditions are also responsible for dry mouth and bad odor.
• Mouth infections : Oral infections such as cavities, gum disease, impacted teeth may also responsible for bad breath.
• Dentures or braces : Loosely fitted dentures cause mouth sores and infections in the mouth is the main reason of bad breath. If the braces not cleaned properly as instructed by your dentist, the food particles stuck between can rot and cause bad odor.
• Morning breath : During sleep saliva production nearly stops which allow odor-causing bacteria to grow and produce bad breath in the morning.
• Pregnancy : During pregnancy, nausea and morning sickness is common, also dehydration, hormonal changes and different foods due to cravings also contribute to developing bad breath.
• Habits : Some of the habits such as smoking, tobacco chewing, alcoholism may also cause bad breath.