Halitosis, generally known as bad breath or fetor oris, affects people at some point in their lives. The smell might come from the teeth, mouth, or due to a particular health condition. Foul breath may go away on its own, but in some cases, it could be a chronic condition. The American Dental Association (ADA) also states that at least 50 percent of grownups experienced bad breath in their lifetime.
One of the best methods to avoid bad breath is by knowing its primary causes. So let’s discuss what causes bad breath so you can prevent it efficiently.
What Are the Causes of Halitosis?
Foul breath can impact one’s confidence and cause emotional problems and anxiety. Halitosis can be tricky because you won’t even know you have it, and if people tell you about it, it could be going on for a while. Left untreated, it can impact your work and social relationships. So we’ve collected the five primary causes of halitosis to tell you what to avoid to prevent this embarrassing condition.
1. Diet
Everyone knows onions and garlic will not give you fresh breath and can obviously cause foul breath, but more dietary culprits can do more than those. Other foods that might trigger bad breath include horseradish, peanut butter, coffee, canned tuna, an abundance of protein, and dairy products.
2. Alcohol and tobacco use
Drinking alcohol can cause dry mouth, leading to more production of bacteria. More bacteria can cause bad breath, so it’s important to observe moderation when consuming alcohol and not forget to drink plenty of water afterward. Smoking cigarettes can leave behind an unpleasant smell in the mouth.
Additionally, using any tobacco product increases your risk of developing periodontal disease and major health problems. Giving up smoking can prevent foul breath and even protect your overall health.
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3. Poor oral hygiene
Poor oral hygiene could be the most apparent cause of halitosis mentioned in this list. When you do not clean your mouth and teeth daily, food particles that gradually become a sticky buildup of bacteria might form on your teeth. The uneven surface of the tonsils and tongue may trap bacteria and food particles in the mouth, triggering bad breath.
Poor oral care can cause serious health conditions like dental cavities and periodontal disease, which are also related to bad breath. The best defense against bad breath will mainly revolve around a consistent and careful oral care routine. Routine family dentist Brantford appointments and professional teeth cleaning are also key.
4. Gum disease
Gum disease or periodontitis occurs when plaque isn’t removed from the teeth. Plaque can eventually harden into tartar, which brushing can’t remove. Attempting to do so might aggravate your gums, either. Tartar can form pockets or tiny openings between the teeth and gums. The food particles, bacteria, or dental plaque collected in these pockets may trigger a strong odor.
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5. Dry mouth
A dry mouth, or xerostomia, is a major culprit and contributor to foul-smelling breath. Dry mouth may occur for several factors, ranging from age, stress, medications, and tobacco use. Identifying what’s causing your dry mouth and treating it might help combat halitosis.