Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is a disorder whereby a person's mouth emits an unpleasant odor. Many people hesitate to talk about it with their dentist since it can be disheartening and embarrassing. Nevertheless, it is extremely frequent and treatable. However, to treat halitosis, you must identify the bad breath's cause. The following are the causes of bad breath:
Poor Oral Hygiene
Poor dental hygiene is the most prevalent cause of foul breath. If you fail to maintain proper oral hygiene, bacteria accumulate on the tongue and teeth. This can result in the formation of reactive sulfur compounds with a pungent, undesirable odor. Brush and floss your teeth on a regular basis to avoid bad breath that occurs due to poor dental hygiene. Besides, use a tongue scraper or toothbrush to clean the tongue.
Certain Drinks and Foods
You can have bad breath if you consume some foods and beverages. For instance, sulfur-rich foods like onions and garlic can induce bad breath once they break down inside the mouth. Coffee and alcohol can also contribute to foul breath since they can lead to dry mouth. A dry mouth is a condition in which there is inadequate saliva, which allows bacteria to proliferate and causes bad breath.
Tobaco Usage
Another prevalent reason for bad breath is tobacco consumption. Chewing and smoking tobacco can produce bad breath as it causes dry mouth and puts powerful-smelling substances into it. Tobacco products such as pipes, cigars, and cigarettes can also discolor teeth, exacerbating bad breath.
Mouth Infection
Infection of the mouth by bacteria or other germs can result in irritation and poor breath. Gum or periodontal disease is a typical gum infection that can lead to poor breath. Abscesses, pus collections that form inside the mouth, can also promote bad smell. Other causes of bad breath include dry mouth and improperly placed dentures.
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