Causes of Bad breath and How to Treat it

Bad breath is no joke. As commonplace as it may seem, it’s not something very well taken and tolerated by many people. Bad breath or halitosis can negatively affect one’s relationship either personal or social, therefore ruining self-esteem and causing anxiety, embarrassment, and isolation. Moreover, bad breath can be an indication of an underlying disease. So it is very important to treat halitosis from the root to prevent the progress of health issues and its resulting psychological effects.

The good news is that the causes of bad breath have been identified and are usually very easy to control in a variety of ways. You can fix this problem at home or with the help of a professional doctor. In general, bad breath is caused by the accumulation of bacteria in the mouth and is often associated with poor oral hygiene. However, other factors also contribute to this situation.

Let’s discuss all the possible causes of bad breath thoroughly to get a better idea of how to treat them and get rid of halitosis.

Main Causes of Bad Breath

The foul smell of the mouth is often related to dental issues, certain diseases, what you eat and drink, and also a dry mouth.

Discover the most common causes of bad breath: 

• Poor oral hygiene
• Bacterial buildup on the tongue
• Dry mouth
• Gum disease
• Dental cavities
• Sinus or respiratory infections
• Certain foods and beverages
• Tobacco use
• Medical conditions (e.g., diabetes, liver disease)

Poor Oral Hygiene

Not following the basics of an oral health routine which includes regular brushing, rinsing, and flossing your teeth can be the main reason for the embarrassing odor of the mouth. 

Poor oral hygiene allows for food particles to remain between teeth and in the mouth which provides a rich space to host bacteria. Accumulation and proliferation of bacteria in the mouth will give rise to bad breath. 

Those neglecting to brush and floss regularly end up with dental plaque, a biofilm of bacteria living on the teeth which can also develop under the gum and damage and irritate teeth and gum and make a constant foul smell. 

Food and Drink

Food and drink can be another source of a bad smell in the mouth.

Foods to Avoid for Bad Breath:

1. Garlic and Onion: These popular spices contain sulfur compounds that can cause temporary bad breath.
2. Sugary Foods: Consuming sugary foods promotes bacterial growth in the mouth and can lead to a sour smell.
3. Dairy Products: Certain dairy products, such as milk and cheese, can contribute to bad breath due to their high protein and fat content.
4. Spicy Foods: Spices like curry, hot peppers, and strong spices can leave a lingering odor in the mouth.
5. Coffee and Alcohol: These beverages can inhibit saliva production, allowing bacteria to thrive and contribute to bad breath.
6. Fish and Seafood: Certain types of fish and seafood, especially when consumed in large quantities, can leave an unpleasant odor in the mouth.
7. Acidic Foods: Acidic foods like citrus fruits, tomatoes, and vinegar-based dressings can create an environment that promotes the growth of odor-causing bacteria.
8. Processed Foods: Highly processed foods, such as fast food and packaged snacks, can contribute to bad breath due to their high sugar and artificial ingredient content.

By avoiding or minimizing the intake of these foods, you can help reduce the likelihood of developing bad breath. Remember to maintain good oral hygiene practices and stay hydrated to keep your breath fresh.

While very beneficial, certain spices and vegetables such as garlic and onion can bring about bad breath temporarily. The bad smell resulting from eating an onion or garlic starts immediately after having them and can linger on overnight and even up to two days. This is because some sulfur-containing compounds are produced and released as you take the first bite and some others are released even after being digested. The sulfuric chemicals can find their way into the lungs through the bloodstream and cause halitosis.

However, these smelly vegetables are not the only foods that affect the smell of your breath. Sugary foods are another cause of bad breath as they feed the already existing bacteria and come with a sour smell emitting from your mouth.

Drinks such as coffee and alcohol can increase the bad smell by inhibiting saliva production, which leads to the proliferation of bacteria. The tannin found in such drinks binds to a protein in the saliva and works to prevent its production. 

Dry Mouth

Generally, a dry mouth means more sulfur-producing bacteria and a foul odor in the mouth. Saliva cleanses the mouth and gets rid of the food particles stuck in there and as a result, reduces the number of bacteria and prevents bad breath.

Sleeping with your mouth open may be the reason for having a dry mouth. However, problems in the salivary glands or specific diseases may contribute to a reduction in saliva production and a dry mouth.

Medical Conditions and Diseases

Your bad breath may result from certain medical conditions in the mouth, nose, and throat such as an infection or inflammation. 

How to Get Rid of Bad Breath?

As the underlying reasons for bad breath may vary from one person to another, you’d better pay attention to the cause to treat it with the correct method. Here are some of the most effective ways to prevent or treat bad breath, which work for most people. 

Tips for Fresh Breath

• Brush your teeth twice a day
• Clean your tongue regularly
• Use mouthwash
• Stay hydrated to avoid dry mouth
• Chew sugar-free gum
• Avoid tobacco products
• Limit consumption of odor-causing foods and drinks
• Visit your dentist regularly
• Treat underlying dental or medical conditions

Take Your Oral Health Seriously

For those whose bad breath is the direct result of bacterial accumulation in the mouth, regular mouth cleaning can do wonders. 

It is pretty easy to keep the bacteria away and enjoy a fresh breath. Make sure you remove food residue stuck between the teeth by rinsing your mouth with water, flossing your teeth, and brushing different angles of them. Remember that it is important to brush your tongue as it is also where bacteria accumulate. You can also use septic mouthwash to rinse your mouth for about 1 minute each time to bring your fresh pleasant breath back again. Following this routine can destroy the majority of the bacteria in the mouth and guarantee a farewell to bad breath.

Those wearing dentures must also clean their false teeth and mouth regularly, otherwise, they create a perfect hotbed for odor-producing bacteria. However, remember that you should make it a habit and do it regularly, preferably two or three times a day. Or else, you may only benefit from its temporary effects at best.

It’s worth mentioning that you should replace your toothbrush with a new one every 3 to 4 months. An old toothbrush can be a cozy place for bacteria to hide.

Treat Your Dental or Gum Diseases

Considering the fact that the foul odor of the mouth could be caused by gum disease or some dental issues, It is important to take time to treat these conditions. A gum disease causes the gum to slide back and provides a space for the bacteria to accumulate. You can see a periodontist or a gum specialist to have your gum checked and treated if required.

Other dental issues could also give rise to bad breath. Therefore, you should regularly visit your dentist (see a list of the best dentists) for checkups and to treat your gum and dental issues. Not only does it guarantee your dental health but also rids you of the terrible smell that repels your friends. 

Watch What You Eat and Drink

While some foods like garlic and onion are very beneficial to your health by preventing and fighting many diseases, their temporary bad smell can be troublesome in many situations. You’d better avoid them and also spicy foods if you have an important meeting or are going on a date in one or two days. However, in case you forget or couldn’t help yourself, you can cover up the smell and diminish it to some extent. Remember that cleaning your mouth always helps. Use mouthwash in addition to brushing and flossing your teeth. Eating fresh fruits such as apples, peaches, grapes, and cherries can also help with deodorizing garlic and onions. You can also freshen your smell by stimulating saliva through chewing cinnamon or mint-flavored gum.

Manage Dry Mouth

There are ways to manage and treat a dry mouth and prevent its exacerbation.

• Quitting or reducing the use of tobacco products, coffee, and alcohol could be a great step in treating a dry mouth. 
• stimulate saliva flow and improve a dry mouth through simple things.
• Increase your fluid intake by drinking water or sugarless drinks. Sucking on an ice cube could also help, as well as sucking on sugar-free hard candy or chewing gum. Using a humidifier at night could be effective too.
• You may also want to visit an ENT doctor for conditions like sleeping with your mouth open or chronic cases of dry mouth which can be treated through specific medications that are used to facilitate saliva flow. 

Manage Your Nose and Mouth Diseases

As already mentioned some infections and inflammation in the sinuses and throat can be the reason for bad breath. Therefore, it is obvious that addressing such issues can freshen your breath and rid you of the bad smell. In many cases, a simple surgery such as removing tonsils can help get rid of these issues.

Summary

Bad breath, or halitosis, can have a negative impact on relationships and self-esteem. It is often caused by bacteria accumulation due to poor oral hygiene, but other factors like food choices, dry mouth, and medical conditions also contribute. To combat bad breath, maintain a regular oral health routine, treat gum diseases, watch your diet, manage dry mouth, and seek medical attention for underlying issues. By prioritizing oral health and adopting these strategies, you can regain your confidence and enjoy a breath of fresh air.