What Causes Bad Breath? Causes and Treatment

Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is both a medical and social issue. Despite not being a life-threatening condition in itself, it needs to be understood and dealt with properly. Why? Because in most cases, it may be a sign pointing out another health disturbance. As for the social aspect, it can (for very obvious reasons) have a negative impact on the individual’s relationships, especially the most intimate ones.

Now let’s try to comprehend the phenomenon a little better.

Why Do I Have Bad Breath

If you are wondering about what causes bad breath, there may be several factors to track down:

• The statistically number one culprit is poor or maladapted oral hygiene. If the individual does not take care of their teeth and gums or uses defective tools/techniques, bacterial proliferation and/or consequent damages (cavities, etc.) are inevitable. That being said, certain bacteria exist (and should exist) inside the oral cavity even with proper hygiene. The downside begins when they cause volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) as a kind of waste that eventually leads to bad breath.
• A dry mouth (xerostomia) is also among the widespread bad breath causes. A lack of hydration (due to not drinking enough water), certain kinds of teeth/gum diseases, and even some medications can lead to a dry and thus bad-smelling mouth.
• Teeth and gum diseases/inflammations can appear even in individuals maintaining decent oral hygiene. In those cases, bad breath acts like an alarm bell.
• Culinary/dietary habits should also be investigated. Onions, garlic, certain varieties of fish, cheese, and spices are likely to alter the smell of the breath. Low-carb diets are also frequently cited in medical sources.
• Some diseases can have an effect on the breath, such as diabetes, gastrointestinal issues, lung infections, azotemia, etc.
• Some hereditary factors and/or metabolic abnormalities (e.g., maple syrup urine disease) can cause bad or at least strange-scented breath as well.
• Smoking is also another very common cause of foul-smelling breath (aka the infamous smoker’s breath). The chemical compounds found in tobacco products are to be incriminated here.

Smoking also causes dental staining. Don’t forget to take a look at our Teeth Whitening treatment for healthy-looking teeth.

How to Get Rid of Bad Breath

First of all, let us insist on the importance of medical consultation. Instead of trying to deal with the matter on your own via folk remedies, see what your health professional has to say. They are the only ones who can accurately show you how to fix bad breath and/or prevent it. 

Bad breath treatment can include:

• The prescription of more adapted oral and dental hygiene with specific kinds of toothpaste, brushes, flosses, and rinses.
• The prescription of particular products that target dry mouth.
• Routine dental care
• A modification of the culinary/dietary habits.
• The prescription of a smoking cessation program.
• A reorientation to the accurate treatment in case bad breath is caused by a given health condition.

Besides bad breath, an unhealthy smile can also have a negative impact on your social life. You may consider trying our Hollywood Smile treatment for a healthy smile.

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