Bad breath, often known as halitosis, can be unpleasant. It’s no surprise that retail shelves are brimming with mints, sweets, mouthwashes, and other remedies meant to combat bad breath. However, a lot of these items are often merely band-aid fixes since they don't deal with the root of the issue.

Though it may seem simple, the exact cause of bad breath can be much more subtle and complex. Please continue reading to find out the main causes of bad breath and how to quickly get rid of it.

Possible Causes of Bad Breath

Although a vast number of instances of bad breath start in the mouth, there are numerous other probable causes of foul breath. Below is an overview of some of the more well-known causes.

Inadequate Dental Hygiene

Bad breath might be caused by food particles that aren't removed from the mouth with frequent brushing and flossing. These particles then develop to become plaque, which is responsible for bad breath. Furthermore, if plaque isn't removed by brushing, it can negatively affect your gums and inevitably cause pockets of plaque to develop between your gums and teeth.

Food

The decomposition of food particles, mostly around your teeth, can promote the growth of microorganisms and generate an unpleasant smell. Bad breath can also result from eating specific foods, such as garlic. Furthermore, when all these foods have been digested, they enter your circulation and travel to your lungs, where they end up impacting your breath.

Products Containing Tobacco

People who smoke typically have what is generally known as "smoker's breath," which is a foul odor resulting from the cigarette smoke, which is still lurking in your lower airways. Smoking also triggers chemical substances in your mouth to combine with your saliva, resulting in foul breath.

Dry mouth

Saliva assists in maintaining a clean mouth by eliminating food particles that cause bad breath. When saliva production slows or ceases in the mouth, unpleasant breath is certain to ensue. Many individuals discover that their breath is a little foul when they wake up since dry mouth occurs naturally while you sleep.

Medications

Several medications, especially prescription drugs, might contribute to dry mouth, which in turn can produce bad breath. Others can also be metabolized within the body, releasing chemical compounds that are then exhaled through your breath, contributing to bad breath.

Digestive Issues

Poor digestion, bowel problems, or intestinal issues can all result in unpleasant breath odors. If you regularly have acid reflux, it may be simple for odors from previously eaten food to make their way back up into the esophagus and out through the mouth, resulting in foul breath.

Other Causes

Despite the fact that odor-producing bacteria are the primary cause of most cases of bad breath, there seems to be a host of other health issues that might be a factor. Bad breath may signal the presence of further illnesses or disorders. Bad breath can be caused by postnasal drip, respiratory and nasopharyngeal illnesses, sinus disorders, diabetes, liver and kidney ailments, and more.



Getting Rid of Bad Breath

The most effective way to lessen bad breath is to practice regular dental hygiene. This guarantees the avoidance of cavities and lowers the risk of bad breath. Additionally, it is advised that people go to the dentist a couple of times a year for a checkup and cleanup. The dentist could suggest antimicrobial mouthwash or personal care products.

Likewise, if gum disease is prevalent, specialized cleaning may be required to remove the accumulation of microorganisms in the spaces between your teeth and gums. Additionally, give up smoking and using anything that contains tobacco products. Consult your dentist for advice on how to break the addiction.

Bad breath can sometimes be an indication of a more serious problem. If you've attempted every remedy on this list and still have bad breath, contact New England Dental Health Services to schedule a visit for a check-up to find out what measures you need to take to bring your stinky breath under control.