What can cause you to have bad breath, also known as halitosis? Approximately 1 in 5 people suffer from halitosis and there are a variety of possible culprits including: poor dental hygiene, certain types of foods you eat, smoking, not staying hydrated and even some medical conditions. Our digestive process begins in our mouth when we eat food and the odor of stronger foods will not leave until the food has completely passed through the body. That is why breath mints or mouthwashes can only help to mask the smell.
Common Causes of Bad Breath
- Dental Hygiene One of the most common causes is a build up of bacteria and this is due to not brushing the teeth properly. Food particles left behind on your teeth and gums can produce a off-putting odor as the food breaks down. Proper flossing is another habit that can help as it gets the food particles that can’t be reached by a normal toothbrush and will help to prevent the bacteria and plaque buildup. Finally bacteria build-up on the tongue accounts for over 80 percent of mouth related bad breath so using a tongue scraper as part of the dental hygiene routine will help to make a complete process.
- Smoking Whether it is smoking cigarettes or cigars or using tobacco products such as chewing tobacco, smoking is a definite cause of bad breath. Many do not even realize that they have a problem because they are accustomed to the smell. Talk to your dentist for advice and for help quitting the habit.
- Food and Drinks Certain foods such as onion, garlic and coffee are sure to bring on bad breath. As mentioned above, the bad breath outcome does not go away until these items are removed from the body.
- Hydration Your body needs the mouth to be moist in order to successfully create saliva which helps in the digestive process. Drinking water is ideal but you can also try chewing gum or sucking on candy or mints to keep your mouth hydrated.
Medical Conditions
Not all causes of halitosis are something that can be controlled. Many medical conditions also contribute to related problems. Some common culprits are:
- Allergies Post nasal drip often associated with allergies is a breeding ground for bacteria. Taking medication to prevent mucus in turn creates dry mouth conditions so keeping your mouth clean is an important step.
- Diabetes As the body produces too little insulin, the body burns fat and that creates a condition known as ketoacidosis which can create breath that smells like fruit or acetone.
- Acid Reflux This condition involves digestive juices entering the esophagus and mouth so good oral hygiene is critical.
- Liver Disease A musty smell on someone’s breath may be a first indication of a problem with the liver before other symptoms become apparent.
- Kidney Failure Changes to the metabolism can create a dry mouth in patients having kidney problem so watching for changes in breath odor can help with this identification.
- Autoimmune Diseases As the body attacks its own healthy cells certain types can create dry mouth and related halitosis conditions.
Patients seeking the advice of a dental professional often find that their condition is related to tooth decay, gum disease or dehydration. It is important to determine an underlying cause and suggest a treatment plan that works with the patient’s needs and lifestyle.
Dr. Denison will work with you to determine the cause of your halitosis and will guide you in the best treatment plan for you. Contact us for an appointment at (757) 873-9000 or at drdenison.com. We are more than happy to help!
