Bad breath or halitosis is a very embarrassing dental issue which occurs due to poor dental health and overall health too. It can worsen depending on the type of food that you consume. Your lifestyle and food greatly impacts your overall health, and same is true for dental health too.
How does your food affect your breath?
Whatever food you consume breaks down in your mouth. When the food gets digested and absorbed into the bloodstream they get carried to your lungs and are passed off through your breath.
If you consume food like garlic and onions which has strong odours, it lingers in your mouth for quite a long time. Brushing, flossing and even mouth fresheners barely covers up the odour. The odour remains in your mouth until the food gets completely passed out of body.
What are the causes of bad breath?
1. Growth Of Bacteria
Dentist worldwide believe that practising good oral hygiene should be an inevitable part of your daily routine. If you do not brush and floss regularly, food particles remain in your mouth and promote the growth of bacteria. The bacteria grow around the gums, between teeth and on the tongue which leads to bad breath.
2. Tobacco Products
Chewing tobacco based products and smoking are also the major factors causing bad breath. They not only foul your breath but also stain your teeth, irritate your gums and reduce your ability to taste food.
3. Periodontal Disease
Persistent bad breath is a warning sign of gum disease also known as periodontal disease. It is caused by the build up of plaque on teeth. Bacteria lead to the formation of toxins which starts irritating the gums. If left untreated, gum disease can damage the jawbone and gums.
4. Dental Issues
Other dental issues like yeast infection, poorly fitting dental appliances and dental cavities can also be major factors for bad breath. Odor causing bacteria and food particles can lead to bad breath if dentures are left unclean.
5. Dry Mouth
Dry mouth is another medical condition which causes bad breath. Saliva moistens the mouth and neutralizes acids produced by plaque. This helps in preventing bad breath but the absence of saliva gives rise to it. Dry mouth can be caused by various medical conditions. To know more, read about dry mouth and dental care.
6. Other Illnesses
Many other illnesses and diseases cause bad breath. Respiratory tract infection such as bronchitis, postnasal drip, chronic sinus infections, diabetes and kidney or liver problems may trigger bad breath. You can check for tips to control bad breath.