6 Common Causes of Bad Breath You Need To Know

Bad breath is an embarrassing issue that can significantly spoil a conversation. The main problem is that a person may even not know that his or her breath has an unpleasant odor. To get rid of unpleasant breath’s smell, it is important to know its underlying cause. Here is a list of six common causes of bad breath you need to know.

1. Smelly foods

The consumption of smelly foods tends to be one of the most common causes of halitosis (bad breath). For example, garlic and onions contain sulfur-containing chemicals that penetrate the bloodstream and reach your lungs.

As a result, the air you exhale contains these chemicals that make it smell bad. If you are going to have an important meeting or conversation, try to avoid these foods since they can linger in your breath for many hours.

2. Tooth decay

Tooth decay, also called cavities, is a condition in which a person develops a hole in the tooth that grows and causes a lot of unpleasant symptoms. People with tooth decay usually experience a toothache, bad breath, increased tooth sensitivity, and unpleasant taste in the mouth. 

It is important to treat and fill the cavity as soon as possible since the damage can progress and reach the root of the tooth. In this case, you can develop a dental abscess that can cause life-threatening complications. This condition occurs when the infection penetrates the tooth and leads to the development of a sac with pus. 

3. Poor oral hygiene

Even though the principles of proper oral care are extremely simple, many people still neglect them. Dental plaque and food particles that stuck between your teeth can rot and cause an unpleasant odor. 

It is essential to brush your teeth two times a day and floss daily. Additionally, proper oral care can prevent the development of gum disease and tooth decay. When you brush and floss your teeth, you remove the bacteria that contribute to the development of these health issues.

4. Gum disease

Gum disease is a serious condition that occurs when your gums become inflamed. Due to the fact that gum disease is caused by bacteria that cause an unpleasant smell, your breath can also become smelly.  The initial stage of this disease is called gingivitis that causes gum swelling, redness, and bleeding. Fortunately, timely and proper gingivitis treatment can ease the symptoms and prevent the aggravation of gum disease. 

If left untreated, gingivitis can turn into periodontitis. This condition can cause loose teeth, gum recession, and gum pockets. It is essential to treat periodontitis to avoid the aforementioned complications and prevent tooth loss. 

5. Smoking

People who smoke usually have extremely unpleasant breath odor. The reality is that smoking releases tobacco by-products that tend to settle on the teeth surface. This results not only in a bad breath but also in teeth staining.

Smoking can also increase your risk of gum disease. Smokers often have tartar build-up that creates perfect conditions for bacteria overgrowth. These bacteria can lead to gum inflammation and other unpleasant consequences.

6. Digestive issues

Problems with digestion can also make your breath smell worse. For example, acid reflux can make your breath smell sour. This condition occurs when the stomach acid penetrates the esophagus. Acid reflux usually causes heartburn, sore throat, and a sour taste in the mouth. 

However, there are other problems with digestion that can cause bad breath. If you often suffer from constipation or have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), your breath can change its odor. Visit a gastroenterologist to treat these conditions.

The bottom line

It is important to understand that bad breath doesn’t develop without any reason. If you have noticed that your breath has changed it’s odor, you would visit a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.