Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is an unpleasant odor that originates from the mouth. It’s common for people to suffer from bad breath occasionally, but if it’s persistent, it could be a sign of an underlying dental or medical issue. Listed below are some of the common causes of bad breath.

Gum Disease

The number one cause of bad breath is gum disease. In fact, about three-quarters of people with gum disease report having chronic bad breath as a result. That’s because the bacteria that normally live in your mouth turn food particles into acids that eat away at the gum line. As the bacteria build-up, the infection spreads and affects the bone that surrounds and supports your teeth. Eventually, the bone is destroyed, causing teeth to become loose and eventually fall out. When teeth are lost, the gums often recede, and this causes even more problems with foul breath. Recent studies have shown that treating periodontal disease also improves your chances of avoiding heart disease.

Food

Certain foods have odors that linger in your mouth and on your tongue, which can cause bad breath. Garlic and onions are two of the biggest offenders. Coffee can also contribute to bad odor. If you eat these pungent foods and beverages and drink from a mug or glass, don’t fail to brush your teeth. Brushing after every meal will remove food particles that are trapped between your teeth and help to kill bacteria that cause bad breath. Drinking water throughout the day will also keep your mouth clean.

Poor Oral Hygiene 

Your poor oral hygiene habits are causing you to have bad breath, move to a better routine immediately to retain your oral health and prevent bad breath from occurring. If you don’t brush and floss regularly, built-up plaque and food particles are left behind to decompose and create bad-smelling bacterial byproducts. Floss at least once a day, and brushing twice a day is optimal.

Dry Mouth

Many patients experience dry mouth as a result of certain medications, which can also cause halitosis. Your dentist can recommend better products to help combat your dry mouth symptoms and replace any medication that is drying out your mouth and causing bad breath to occur.

Tobacco

Smoking cigarettes or chewing tobacco can cause bad breath. The smoke clings to the mucus membranes in your mouth, creating a stale smell that lingers long after you finish smoking a cigarette.

Even secondhand cigarette smoke can dry out your mouth and throat and lead to bad breath. Try to limit your exposure to toxic chemicals by staying away from smokers as much as possible.

We request you schedule a consultation with our team of dental experts to get all your oral concerns addressed at the earliest. Please call us at (602) 237-7878 or reach out through online consultation, and we’ll be happy to help.