Halitosis: Common Causes of Bad Breath
Bad breath happens. Studies show that 50 percent of adults have bad breath, or halitosis, at some point in their lives. Anyone can suffer from bad breath; it is estimated that 1 in 4 people have bad breath on a regular basis. The most common cause of bad breath is poor dental hygiene. As bacteria break down particles of food, sulfur compounds are produced that cause odor.
Bacteria
Your mouth also acts like a natural hothouse that allows these bacteria to grow. When you eat, bacteria feed on the food left in your mouth and leaves a foul-smelling waste product behind.
Dry Mouth
Saliva is important because it works around the clock to wash out your mouth. If you don’t have enough, your mouth isn’t being cleaned as much as it should be. Dry mouth can be caused by certain medications, salivary gland problems or by simply breathing through your mouth.
Smoking and Tobacco
Smoking stains your teeth, gives you bad breath and puts you at risk of other health problems. Tobacco products cause their own types of mouth odor. They also increase the chances of gum disease which can cause bad breath.
Food
The breakdown of food particles stuck in the teeth can cause odors. Foods such as onions, garlic and coffee can cause bad breath. After digestion, their breakdown products are carried in the blood to the lungs where they can affect the breath.
Drugs
Certain medications can reduce saliva causing an increase in odors. Other drugs can produce odors as they breakdown and release chemicals in the brain. Those who take vitamin supplements in large doses can be prone to bad breath.
Medical Conditions
Mouth infections can cause bad breath. Your bad breath could be the result of another problem, such as a sinus condition, gastric reflux, diabetes, liver or kidney disease.
Gum Disease
Bad breath that just won’t go away or a constant bad taste in your mouth can be a warning sign of advanced gum disease, which is caused by a sticky, cavity-causing bacteria called plaque.
Visit ORCHID Family Dental, your dental services in Richardson, Texas regularly, because checkups will detect any problems. If you think you suffer from bad breath, we can help determine its source.
