Bad breath is a problem for many people. Those who suffer from it probably know it is called halitosis. It can be a source of embarrassment and social anxiety for many people. Often the problem cannot be solved just by brushing and flossing more regularly. There are various causes of bad breath and most of the time it is not your fault.
Bad oral hygiene contributes to bad breath
One of the most common causes of bad breath is unfortunately poor oral hygiene. When food particles and bacteria accumulate on your teeth, gums, and tongue, they can release foul-smelling gases. They can be responsible for bad breath. Brushing your teeth after eating, flossing daily, and using a tongue scraper can help to remove the buildup of plaque and bacteria that cause bad breath. Additionally, it is important to visit the dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups. You can read more here about how bad oral hygiene contributes to dental cavities.
Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia
Another cause of bad breath is dry mouth, also known as xerostomia. We need saliva in our mouth because it plays an important role in washing away food particles and bacteria in the mouth. Therefore when there is a lack of saliva production, bad breath can result. A dry mouth can be caused by different factors. It can appear due to side effects of medications taken, dehydration, and certain medical conditions such as Sjogren’s syndrome. You can reduce the effect of dry mouth by drinking plenty of water and avoiding alcohol and tobacco products, which can further dry out the mouth. Chewing sugar-free gum or sucking sugar-free candies can also help to stimulate saliva production.
Wrong food and beverages can increase bad breath
Not only poor oral hygiene and dry mouth can be the cause of bad breath. It can also be caused by certain foods and beverages. Some food can have a strong smell. For example garlic or onions. They can leave a strong smell in your mouth that can stay even after brushing and flossing. Beverages such as coffee and alcohol can also contribute to bad breath. To combat this type of bad breath, it may be helpful to avoid these foods and beverages, or to consume them in moderation. You can mask this smell slightly by chewing fresh herbs such as parsley or mint.
Medical conditions
Certain medical conditions can also contribute to bad breath. For example, respiratory infections such as sinusitis and bronchitis can cause bad breath. This can happen due to the production of mucus in the respiratory system. Gastrointestinal disorders such as acid reflux and gastritis can also cause bad breath. Also, liver and kidney diseases can be another cause of bad breath. If you didn’t suffer from bad breath before and then you observed it, then it could be a problem with one of the medical conditions. If cleaning your teeth and changing your diet doesn’t help, it is important to consult a doctor to check if this is not linked to a disease.
Smoking changes the smell from your mouth
Finally, certain lifestyle habits can contribute to bad breath. Smoking and using different tobacco products can cause a persistent unpleasant smell in the mouth and can also lead to dry mouth. Drinking alcohol and caffeine can also contribute to bad breath.
Natural holistic remedy
If you worry about your “rotten” breath and nothing helps, you can check a story of a man who suffered from this. Bad breath just appeared one day and gave him a really hard time in his work and private life. He was trying to just mask his bad breath with mint sprays but it is always necessary to look for a reason for this and not just mask the smell. Check out how he found a natural remedy through a holistic approach to combat bad breath. You need to get rid of bacteria that cause the problem.
Bad breath can be caused by various factors, including poor oral hygiene, dry mouth, certain foods and beverages, medical conditions, and lifestyle habits. The key to addressing bad breath is to identify the underlying cause and to take appropriate measures to address it. This may include improving your oral hygiene, addressing dry mouth, avoiding certain foods and beverages, seeking medical treatment for underlying conditions, and modifying lifestyle habits. With the right approach, bad breath can be effectively treated.
