Causes of Bad Breath

Halitosis also referred to as bad breath, is an embarrassing condition that can be caused by poor oral hygiene habits. While this is a treatable condition, it may leave you feeling self-conscious about your smile.

There are many common causes of halitosis. Bacteria in the mouth can lead to an infection, and this can cause halitosis. If you’re suffering from halitosis, it’s important to seek out treatment as soon as possible. Eating a healthy diet, practicing good oral hygiene, and visiting the dentist for regular cleanings can help keep your mouth clean and odor-free.

Causes of Bad Breath

• Poor Oral Hygiene

Irregular brushing and flossing of teeth can cause the buildup of plaque and tartar, which produce odorous bacteria. Plaque is a white film that sticks to your teeth and turns into tartar if it’s left there. It’s normal for plaque to build up in your mouth, and brushing and flossing at least twice a day will clear it away.

• Gum Disease

Gum disease is the most common cause of bad breath. If you’ve noticed that you have bad breath consistently, make an appointment with your dentist. Gum disease is caused by plaque and tartar buildup on teeth, which causes the gums to pull away from the teeth and create pockets. These pockets become infected, which allows bacteria to grow.

• Food Particles

Food particles can get stuck between teeth and cause bad breath. These particles will eventually rot and cause an unpleasant odor.

Food particles can also cause tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease.

• Dry Mouth

Bad breath is caused by a lack of saliva production. Saliva helps wash away food particles, bacteria, and dead cells. When your mouth is dry, food particles can get caught in your teeth. These particles feed bacteria in the mouth that cause bad breath.

• Tobacco Products

Smoking or using other tobacco products, such as chewing tobacco products, can cause bad breath. Tobacco products increase plaque, gum disease, and tooth decay. They also cause a condition called halitosis, or bad breath.

Tobacco products also stain teeth, and the stains can be difficult to remove. In addition to brushing twice a day and flossing daily, it’s recommended to avoid tobacco products in order to keep teeth healthy.

• Mouth Infections

Mouth infection is the most common cause of bad breath. Infections occur when bacteria in the mouth multiply, producing a foul odor. Infections in the mouth can be caused by plaque buildup, poor oral hygiene, dry mouth, gum disease, and a variety of other factors.

• Systemic Illnesses

Some illnesses, like diabetes and liver disease, can negatively affect your breath. People with these illnesses may be more likely to suffer from chronic bad breath. In these cases, the bad breath may be a symptom of a larger problem. If you suspect that your breath is a result of an underlying illness, be sure to seek medical care.

• Medications

Some medications can cause dry mouth, which, in turn, can result in bad breath. Talk to your doctor about other options that won’t cause dry mouth.

To find out more about the dental services offered at Healthy Smile Dental Care, call (786) 345-2040 or schedule an online consultation. You can also visit us at 3412 W 84th St #110, Hialeah, FL 33018.