What Causes Bad Breath and How Can It Be Avoided?

We don’t know the severity of the problem until it's hidden and not noticed but when someone points it out we start worrying about it. The same thing is true with bad breath or halitosis. It can be embarrassing and in some cases may even cause anxiety. Your bag must carry a mouthwash or mint but this problem can be critical and a signal towards an underlying dental issue.

Have you ever wondered what is the reason behind bad breath and how you can get rid of it? If not then think about it today before it gets too late. Certain foods, health conditions and habits are some of the reasons behind bad breath.

What Are The Symptoms?

The symptoms may vary because not every odour smells the same. Some people may worry about it even though the odour is less noticeable or not at all present. Others may have bad breath and won’t even notice. The reason is it is hard to notice whether the breath smells bad. Reach for your friend or family member for help.

If you are feeling dry mouth with thick and foamy saliva and change in taste lately then you must ask your dental expert about it. A sour, bitter or metallic taste can be a symptom of bad breath.

What Causes Bad Breath?

Some possible causes for bad breath can be:

• Food

The breakdown of food particles in and around your teeth can lead to a bad odour. Food particles can get stuck in your teeth and on your tongue, these will play an important role in feeding bacteria in your mouth and producing acids. Other chemicals produced by food breakdown can also lead to bad breath.

If you are having food like onions. If garlic, cabbage, cauliflower and red meat are on your plate then you can expect bad breath because your body will start producing sulfur-like compounds.

• Tobacco Products

Tobacco is responsible for bad breath in many ways. When tobacco is burned it releases chemicals including toxicants and volatile gasses. These chemicals can be inhaled and exhaled leading to a bad breath. Smoking can increase the production of toxic volatile sulfur compounds which can eventually lead to bad breath.

• Not Having Good Oral Habits

If you don’t brush and floss daily, food particles will settle down in your mouth and leave you with bad breath. Plaque, a sticky colourless bacteria will be formed and if not brushed away it can irritate your gums. These plaque-filled pockets will be produced between teeth and gums and lead to gum disease.

You must brush twice with a soft-bristled toothbrush and floss once a day. Flossing should not be ignored because it can target those areas where your brush can’t reach.

• Dry Mouth

Saliva is a natural cleanser for your mouth and removes particles that can cause bad odour. A dry mouth or xerostomia can be a cause of bad breath. Naturally, dry mouth occurs when you are sleeping leads to “morning breath”. If you have this habit of sleeping with your mouth open then it can be worse.

Constant dry mouth can cause some diseases including tooth decay, gum disease, fungal infection and other problems. You can find it difficult to chew or swallow with a dry mouth.

• Infection

If you have had surgical procedures done in your mouth such as tooth removal. Mouth infections such as tooth decay, gum disease or mouth sores can lead to bad breath. Sinus infections can also lead to bad odour especially if you are having chronic sinus.

When To Visit For Check-up?

If you are having bad breath, ask your family how you often sleep or observe your day-to-day activities. If you are doing any of the things mentioned above then you need to put a stop. Make wiser lifestyle changes such as brushing before bed and flossing daily. Don’t forget to brush your tongue because it also require proper cleaning.

Drink plenty of water and replace your glass of wine with a glass of water if you don’t want stained or discoloured teeth. If you still have bad breath even after making changes then you need to ask a dental expert. Underlying health conditions can also be the cause of bad breath and immediately needs expert attention.

Conclusion

Don’t be shy of asking for help when it comes to your health. Ask your family or friends if you are having bad breath and explore the way of your living. Eliminate or consume onions, garlic or spices in smaller amounts if you are experiencing bad breath.

Make sure you don’t let your mouth dry and drink plenty of water. You can ask dental implant specialists or other dental experts to maintain better oral hygiene.