The importance of oral hygiene has been recognized from the earliest days of civilization.
Bad breath can have many causes, but the end result is always the same - no one wants to be around you when you have bad breath!
And because many times the presence of this condition indicates more serious health issues, it's nothing to ignore.
Here are the common causes:
1) Food & Drink
Foods such as onion, garlic, cheese, meats, and oily fish are all known for causing bad breath. Drinks such as alcohol, wine, juices, and soft drinks can contribute to malodorous breath as well.
Fortunately these causes are temporary, and tend to go away within 24 hours.
2) Periodontal Disease
Periodontal diseases affect millions of people and is usually the result of poor dental hygiene. These diseases start very early in life and cause the loss of more teeth than all other reasons combined.
Periodontal disease comes in 2 stages: gingivitis and periodontitis.
Gingivitis is a superficial infection that is limited to the gum tissue and does not yet affect the underlying bone. The gums may look normal, but they may be red and puffy, bleed when brushed, and emit bad odor.
Periodontitis happens when a biofilm that forms in the mouth causes an infection that spreads from the gums to the underlying bone. In this stage the bone that supports the teeth is lost.
There are several types of periodontitis, while some more aggressive than others.
If the disease is untreated, tooth loss will occur. Periodontitis can cause spacing between the teeth, loosening of teeth, receding gums, and aching, itching, or other discomfort of the gums.
3) Dry Mouth
Dry mouth, or xerostomia is the result of reduced or absent salivary function.
Many medications and disease treatments can cause xerostomia including: analgesics, anticholinergics, antihistamines, antihypertensives, anti-inflammatory agents, anti-Parkinson medications, antipsychotics, bronchodilators, decongestants, diuretics, gastrointestinal agents, hypnotics, oral contraceptives, and radiation therapy.
In addition, some diseases can themselves cause xerostomia, such as diabetes.
4) Respiratory Infection
Even though most odors come from oral causes, some odors come from the tonsils, sinuses, and the esophagus.
Some tonsils get deep indentations in them, which get filled with food and plaque that harden into a ball. Sometimes the patient may cough, releasing the ball and leaving a nasty taste and smell. Flushing out the throat can sometimes help with this problem.
5) Excessive Coffee Consumption
Constant consumption of coffee can lead to stained teeth and bad breath. Over consumption can also lead to headaches and hypertension due to the stimulant components of coffee.
6) Tobacco Use
Use of tobacco can increase the chances of oral cancer and gum disease. Tobacco products damage the gum tissue by affecting the attachment of the bone and soft tissue to your teeth. Smoking can contribute to bad breath, stains on the teeth and tongue, and tarter buildup.
Bad Breath Causes