Bad breath can be very embarrassing, but is something that most people have to deal with at one time or other. It can be annoying to both the person with the offensive breath and to those around them. What causes bad breath? It can be caused by food, poor oral hygiene, tobacco, and medical conditions.
Foods with strong odors can cause bad breath. The worst offenders are onions, garlic and peppers. Bad breath can also be caused by acidic foods such as soda and orange juice. Dairy products can create bad breath due to the bacterial cultures in them. The bacteria will cause a reaction in the mouth that can cause bad breath. Coffee drinkers often have bad breath due to a lingering of the coffee odor. Drinking alcohol also causes a lingering odor that can be offensive.
Poor oral hygiene will also cause bad breath. When teeth aren’t brushed and flossed daily food particles can remain trapped in the mouth. These particles will rot and promote growth of bacteria which will in turn cause mouth odor. Plaque buildup also promotes bacterial growth and in turn bad breath. Having tooth decay or cavities also causes mouth odor.
Smoking or chewing tobacco also causes bad breath. In addition to the smell itself, chewing tobacco can cause acidity in the stomach which in turn can create more bad breath. Cigarette or pipe smoke will reduce the oxygen level in the mouth and provide a fertile environment for bacteria to grow.
Certain medical conditions can also cause bad breath. The most common are illnesses having to do with the respiratory system such as tonsillitis, bronchitis, and sinusitis. When the sinuses drain into the back of the throat, a nasty odor can come from the mouth. Also the coughing up of sputum can cause the breath to smell bad.
Other medical conditions will cause mouth odor. These include diabetes, acid reflux, liver problems, kidney problems, and some cancers. Unhealthy dieting can cause ketoacidosis which in turn causes bad breath.
Knowing what causes bad breath can help people avoid it. Staying away from foods that cause mouth odor, maintaining good oral hygiene and not using tobacco are great ways to avoid foul breath.
Sources: Whiten teeth
Disclaimer: This article is provided for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional and/or medical advice. The information found in this article is provided "AS IS", and all warranties, express or implied, are disclaimed by the author.
