Everyone experiences breath odor at some juncture. Reasons of Bad breath, also referred to as halitosis or fetor oris, can emanate from the mouth, teeth, or be linked to an underlying health issue.
The foul odor of bad breath can be either a short-term concern or a persistent condition. As per the American Dental Association, at least half of adults have encountered halitosis at some point in their lives.
Inadequate oral care
This is one of the reasons of bad breath. Bacteria work to break down food particles that become lodged in the teeth or mouth. This bacterial activity, in conjunction with decaying food, gives rise to an unpleasant odor. Consistent brushing and flossing serve to eliminate trapped food before it undergoes decay.
Brushing also aids in the removal of plaque, a sticky substance that accumulates on your teeth and contributes to the development of odors. The buildup of plaque can lead to both cavities and periodontal disease. For individuals who wear dentures and neglect nightly cleaning, bad breath can also become a concern.
Consumption of potent foods and drink
Upon consuming pungent foods like onions, garlic, or others, your stomach absorbs oils from these foods during the digestion process. These absorbed oils then enter your bloodstream and make their way to your lungs.
As a result, this gives rise to an odor that can be detectable in your breath by others for a span of up to 72 hours. Furthermore, the consumption of strongly aromatic beverages, such as coffee, can also contribute to the presence of bad breath.
Tobacco use
The act of smoking cigarettes or cigars results in an unpleasant smell and contributes to mouth dryness, exacerbating one of the biggest reasons of bad breath.
Gum disease or gingivitis
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, would be reasons of bad breath, occurs when you fail to promptly eliminate plaque from your teeth. As time passes, plaque solidifies into tartar, which cannot be removed through brushing, and any attempt to do so can aggravate your gums. in this way ,it’s considered as one of the reasons of bad breath.
Xerostomia
Insufficient saliva production can lead to the occurrence of dry mouth. Saliva plays a key role in maintaining oral hygiene and minimizing odor.
Dry mouth can become an issue if you have a salivary gland disorder, sleep with an open mouth, or are on specific medications, such as those prescribed for hypertension and urinary conditions.
(Conditions affecting the sinuses, mouth, or throat),
Foul breath odor might manifest if you are experiencing:
- A sinus infection
- Postnasal drip
- Persistent bronchitis
- An infection in your upper or lower respiratory tract
- Tonsil stones, which are prone to harboring bacteria and can contribute to bad breath.
Illnesses
Abnormal breath odor can serve as an indicator of certain medical conditions. This encompasses:
Kidney and liver diseases.
Diabetes mellitus.
Sleep apnea.
How to maintain pleasant smelling breath
The most important thing to keep away from the reasons of bad breath is to maintain your dental health by following proper oral hygiene techniques such as:
- Brush your teeth with a toothpaste that has fluoride, twice daily using a soft toothbrush that cleans areas that are difficult to reach, and clean your tongue and tooth.
- Replace your toothbrush every 2 to 3 months, or after illness.
- If you wear denture or retainer, remove it every night and make sure to clean it before placing it again in your mouth.
- Use antibacterial mouthwash.
- Don’t forget to drink your daily intake of fluids and water to prevent dry mouth.
- Enhance saliva’s production by chewing sugar free gum to maintain moisture in the mouth.
- Try to avoid caffeine and tobacco as they increase dryness in your mouth.
- Maintain a healthy food intake by eating more fruits and vegetables and less meat! Carrots, apples and celery help in clearing food particles and odor-causing plaque.
The Foods sometimes could be one of the reasons of bad breath
The first breaking down process for food is in the mouth, after that food particles will be absorbed into the bloodstream and enter the lungs, influencing exhaled air! That’s why eating foods with strong odors like garlic or onions cause bad breath. Cleaning your mouth using a toothbrush or mouthwash will reduce the odor temporarily! Cheese, spices, orange juice and soda drinks commonly cause bad breath.
The reasons of Bad breath may be a result from other dental diseases that should be treated, that’s why regular checkups with the dentist is a must to avoid dental problems.
Reference:
https://www.healthline.com/health/bad-breath#causes
