Many people experience halitosis, or bad breath, from time to time. Most types of halitosis are preventable, such as those due to inadequate oral hygiene, consumption of certain foods, drinking alcohol or smoking. Unpleasant breath may also be a symptom of illness. In such cases it will disappear when the root cause is cured. Here is a brief guide to what causes bad breath.
The most frequent, and most easily avoided, cause of halitosis is poor oral hygiene. When we eat, any food particles not swallowed remain in our mouths. They may become trapped between teeth or in the follicles on the surface of the tongue. In the absence of a regular brushing and flossing regime to remove them, these particles begin to decompose and give off unpleasant odors.
Some foods can adversely affect our breath even after we've digested them. Organic sulfur compounds, which give rotten eggs their distinctive odor, are also found in garlic, onions, and cabbage. When we eat these foods, the sulfur is absorbed into the blood stream, carried to the lungs and released in our breath.
A lack of sufficient saliva flow can result in halitosis. Saliva helps to wash away mucous and tiny food particles. We naturally produce less saliva at night, which helps to explain foul 'morning breath'. Alcoholic beverages dry out the mouth leading to particularly bad breath the day after a binge. Halitosis often accompanies a stuffed up nose because saliva evaporates when we breathe through our mouths.
Smoking cigarettes affects the smell of your breath in a fairly straightforward way. As smoke from your lungs is exhaled through your mouth, odor-carrying chemicals are released. Smoking also irritates the gums and can lead to gum disease, a major cause of halitosis.
Serious dental problems such as an abscessed or impacted tooth lead to bad breath as do infections of the lungs, nose, throat or sinuses. A variety of other health complaints can result in halitosis. Bowel problems, nausea or acid reflux may lead to digestive gases being released through the mouth.
If you've become aware that your breath is offensive to others, the first step you should take is to ensure that you follow an regular oral hygiene regime. It should consist of brushing your teeth and tongue twice daily, flossing between teeth and rinsing with an anti-bacterial mouthwash. If the unpleasant odors persist, try cutting out odor causing foods or reducing alcohol consumption. Visit your dentist if you have loose teeth, swollen gums or unexplained chronic halitosis.
