Bad breath, also known as oral malodour or halitosis, is a very common yet treatable condition for many adults. It can be a real nuisance, causing embarrassment and discomfort for both you and those around you......Read The Full Article>>.....Read The Full Article>>
Bad breath may result from something you’ve eaten or could signify a more serious oral health issue or medical condition.
In this article, we highlight the common causes of bad breath and provide tips to help you address them effectively.
Most bad breath is caused by poor oral hygiene. The uneven surface of your tongue, as well as your tonsils, can trap food particles and bacteria in the mouth, which may contribute to bad breath. If you want fresher breath, consider using a tongue scraper after brushing to help remove these particles and improve your oral hygiene.
After consuming certain foods, like onions, garlic, and certain vegetables and spices, odour-causing food particles enter the bloodstream and are carried to the lungs, where they affect the scent of your breath each time you exhale. While it’s not always possible to avoid these foods, maintaining a good oral hygiene routine can help minimise their lingering effects on your breath.
The more you indulge, the more likely you are to experience bad breath. Drinking alcohol, especially in excess, reduces saliva production, which creates the perfect environment for odour-causing bacteria to thrive in the mouth. Furthermore, the strong odour of alcohol itself can linger long after you’ve finished drinking.
Tobacco products—whether cigarettes, chewing tobacco, or pipes—all contribute to bad breath and lead to more serious oral health problems. Aside from leaving your mouth smelling like an ashtray, smoking damages gum tissue and can cause gum disease, which can exacerbate bad breath over time.
Poor digestion, constipation, or bowel disorders can also lead to bad breath. If you frequently experience acid reflux, the odour from recently consumed foods may travel back up into the oesophagus and out the mouth, resulting in foul breath. If digestive issues persist, it’s a good idea to seek medical advice.
Hundreds of prescription medications have the side effect of causing dry mouth. When your mouth becomes dry due to a decrease in saliva production, the environment becomes ideal for odour-causing bacteria to thrive. An extended period of dry mouth can cause discomfort and lead to bad breath. Additionally, some medications, when broken down by the body, release chemicals that can be carried through the bloodstream to your lungs and subsequently affect your breath.
Saliva helps keep the mouth clean by washing away food particles that can cause bad breath. When saliva production decreases or stops, a condition known as xerostomia, bad breath is likely to follow. This naturally occurs while you sleep, which is why many people find their breath a little foul upon waking up. However, if the problem persists throughout the day, it may be worth seeking treatment.
Although most bad breath is caused by odour-causing bacteria, there are a number of other health conditions that could contribute to the problem. Bad breath can sometimes be a warning sign of underlying diseases or illnesses. Conditions such as postnasal drip, respiratory and tonsil infections, sinus issues, diabetes, liver and kidney problems, as well as certain blood disorders, can all result in bad breath. In rare cases, bad breath might be a sign of more serious conditions like cancer or metabolic disorders.
If you’re struggling with persistent bad breath, it’s important to consider both your oral hygiene habits and overall health. Regularly brushing and flossing, along with addressing any underlying medical conditions, can go a long way in improving your breath and boosting your confidence. If your bad breath persists, consult a healthcare professional to rule out more serious conditions.
