Bad breath, or medically referred to as halitosis, can be the result of something you ate, or it could signify an oral health issue or even a wide-ranging medical issue. Listed below are some common causes of bad breath.
Common Causes of Bad Breath
- Oral Health Issues- Bad breath is frequently the result of poor oral hygiene. Not brushing your teeth consistently allows food particles to remain in your mouth, which also allows an accumulation of plaque to develop on your teeth. Your tongue traps food particles and bacteria, which causes bad breath. Poor oral hygiene causes cavities, plaque buildup, and gum disease, all of which cause bad breath. Exercising daily, consistent oral care with brushing, flossing, and mouthwash is a successful preventative defense for bad breath.
- Eating Flavorful Food and Drink- After specific foods, like garlic, onions, spices, or some vegetables, odor-causing food particles can enter your bloodstream and be taken to your lungs, causing bad breath.
- Coffee and Bad Breath- A cup of coffee can undoubtedly leave you with bad breath. Coffee can cause bad breath because of its intense taste, but it will also impact saliva production. The caffeine in coffee reduces natural saliva production. Less saliva results in an increase in odor-causing bacteria.
- Alcohol and Bad Breath- Alcohol consumption can cause bad breath. Drinking alcohol also results in a decrease in saliva production, which promotes odor-causing bacteria.
- High-Sugar Diets- A diet high in sugar and protein can cause bad breath. A high sugar diet leads to accelerated plaque buildup and bad breath from the increased sugar interaction with existing bacteria.
- High-Protein or Low-Carb Diets- If your diet is either low in carbs or elevated in protein, it can cause bad breath. If you do not consume an adequate amount of carbs, it changes your metabolism as your body breaks down fats and proteins for energy, which causes bad breath. Eat a balanced and nutritious diet.
- Stress Can Cause Bad Breath- Breathing while being anxious dries out your mouth and results in bad breath. Stress-related fasting affects your digestion by under-nourishing your stomach of necessary enzymes.
- Smoking and Smoker’s Breath- All tobacco products will cause bad breath while leading to more serious oral health issues. Your mouth smells like an ashtray, damaging sensitive, vulnerable gum tissue.
- Digestive Issues- Poor digestion, constipation, or bowel disorders can result in bad breath because of the effects on your stomach.
- Dry Mouth- Saliva keeps your mouth clean by continuously removing food particles, which cause bad breath. If the natural production of your saliva stops, bad breath will naturally follow. This happens while you sleep, resulting in bad breath when you awaken.
- Prescription Medication- Some medications can cause dry mouth. Again, when your mouth becomes dry, saliva production decreases, increasing odor-causing bacteria.
Symptoms Related to Possible Illness
Bad breath is most often the result of odor-causing bacteria buildup, but other health conditions can contribute to the issue. Having consistent bad breath can be a warning sign of illness or disease. Some common examples are sinus problems, postnasal drip, diabetes, respiratory and tonsil infections, kidney and liver issues, as well as blood disorders. Bad breath can even be a symptom of lung cancer, stomach cancer, or metabolic disorders.
Related Article: What does Halitosis Smell Like?