Bad breath is a common problem that most people experience at some point in their lives. It occurs when bacteria in the mouth feed off food particles in the mouth and release sulfur compounds as waste. These sulfur compounds cause bad breath.
Other causes of bad breath include:
Poor Oral Hygiene
Poor oral hygiene can lead to bad breath. Food particles, bacteria, and plaque can lead to bad breath. When food particles are left in the mouth, they can begin to decay. As bacteria break down the food particles, they release a foul odor. The bacteria can also travel into the throat and lungs, causing a foul odor to linger. When plaque and bacteria build up on or around the teeth and gums, it can produce a foul odor.
Flossing and brushing regularly with fluoride toothpaste can help reduce the amount of food particles and bacteria that build up in the mouth.
Dry Mouth
Saliva helps wash away bacteria, so a lack of saliva can cause an unpleasant odor from bacteria buildup. Dry mouth is often a side effect of certain medications, so ask your doctor if your medication could be causing dry mouth.
Medical Issues
Medical issues can cause bad breath. For example, some medications can cause dry mouth, which can increase the prevalence of odor-causing bacteria. People with illnesses such as diabetes or liver disease may also experience halitosis.
Smoking
Smoking is one of the biggest causes of bad breath. There are over 7,000 chemicals in cigarettes, and around 400 of those chemicals are carcinogenic. These chemicals can cause gum recession, tooth decay, and mouth sores. These conditions can all contribute to bad breath.
Foods and Drink
Certain foods can cause bad breath. Foods such as onions, garlic, and raw fish break down into a smelly sulfur compound. Other foods such as coffee, alcohol, and smoking can dry out the mouth and leave an unpleasant odor.
Keeping a food diary can help you identify problem foods. If you are unable to see your dentist right away, drinking plenty of water can help wash away debris, bacteria, and food particles from your mouth.
Low Salivary Production
Saliva is necessary to maintain a healthy mouth. It naturally washes away food particles and bacteria in the mouth, thereby preventing plaque buildup and tooth decay. It also neutralizes acids created by plaque bacteria, helping to keep the mouth’s pH balanced.
The salivary glands produce saliva but may sometimes produce less of it than necessary. This can happen as a result of aging. It can also happen as a result of certain medications, which can impede saliva production.
When there is insufficient saliva in the mouth, it can lead to bad breath.
Genetics
Bad breath can be caused by genetics. If a family member has bad breath, it is common for other family members to have similar symptoms.
We will provide dental solutions to improve your oral health while maintaining smiles. Visit our office, Down To Earth Dental, at 1407 W. 29th Street Pueblo, CO 81008. You can also reach Dentist Pueblo, CO, at (719) 546-0404 and schedule an appointment.
