Halitosis, generally known as foul breath or fetor oris, affects people at some point in their lives. The odor might originate from the teeth, mouth, or due to a particular health condition. Foul breath may go away on its own, but sometimes it could be a chronic condition. The American Dental Association (ADA) also states that at least 50 percent of adults experienced bad breath in their lifetime.
One of the best methods to avoid bad breath is by knowing its primary causes. So let us discuss what causes bad breath so you can prevent it effectively.
What Are the Causes of Halitosis?
Bad breath can affect one’s self-confidence and cause emotional issues and anxiety. Bad breath can be tricky because you won’t even know you have it, and if people tell you about it, it could be going on for a while. Left untreated, it can impact your work and social relationships. So we’ve gathered the five significant causes of bad breath to tell you what to avoid to prevent this unpleasant condition.
1. Alcohol and tobacco use
Drinking alcohol can cause dry mouth, leading to more production of bacteria. More bacteria can cause halitosis, so it is necessary to observe moderation when drinking alcohol and not forget to drink plenty of water afterward. Smoking cigarettes can leave behind an unpleasant smell in the mouth.
In addition, using any tobacco product increases your risk of developing periodontal disease and severe health issues. Giving up smoking can prevent foul breath and even protect your overall health.
2. Gum disease
Gum disease or periodontitis occurs when plaque isn’t removed from the teeth. Plaque can ultimately harden into tartar, which brushing can’t remove. Attempting to do so may aggravate your gums, either. Tartar can form pockets or small openings between the teeth and gums. The food particles, bacteria, or dental plaque collected in these pockets may trigger a strong odor.
While gum disease often occurs due to dental care neglect, it can also happen due to misaligned or crooked teeth. If you think you’re among the people with malocclusion of teeth, consider getting braces Guelph from an orthodontist to fix your pearly whites.
Periodontal disease doesn’t discriminate and can even affect children as well. So if you notice signs of gum disease in your child, take them to a pediatric dentist Whitehorse to address their condition.
3. Diet
Everybody knows onions and garlic won’t give you fresh breath and can obviously trigger bad breath, but more dietary culprits can do more than those. Other foods that might trigger halitosis include horseradish, peanut butter, canned tuna, coffee, an abundance of protein, and dairy products.
4. Poor oral hygiene
Poor oral health could be the most apparent cause of halitosis mentioned in this list. When you do not clean your mouth and teeth daily, food particles that gradually become a sticky buildup of bacteria might form on your teeth. The uneven surface of the tonsils and tongue might trap bacteria and food particles in the mouth which will cause bad breath.
Poor oral hygiene can cause serious health conditions like dental cavities and periodontal disease, which are also associated with halitosis. The best defense against halitosis will generally focus on a consistent and careful oral care routine. Routine visits to the dentist and professional teeth cleaning are also key.
Are you experiencing excruciating pain in your jaw and face? This could be more than toothache or misaligned teeth. Have yourself checked by professionals specializing in treating TMJ Coquitlam to assess your condition and provide immediate treatment.
5. Dry mouth
A dry mouth, or xerostomia, is a major culprit and contributor to bad breath. Dry mouth might happen for several factors, ranging from stress, age, tobacco use, and medications. Figuring out what’s causing your dry mouth and treating it might help combat halitosis.
