{"id":2576,"date":"2023-05-29T12:10:47","date_gmt":"2023-05-29T12:10:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.trucaredentistry.com\/blog\/?p=2576"},"modified":"2023-10-30T01:32:41","modified_gmt":"2023-10-30T01:32:41","slug":"common-causes-of-bad-breath-and-its-treatments","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.trucaredentistry.com\/blog\/common-causes-of-bad-breath-and-its-treatments\/","title":{"rendered":"Common Causes of Bad Breath and its Treatments"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Common<\/p>\n

Everyone has bad breath from time to time, but if you have persistent bad breath (also known as halitosis and fetor oris), it could indicate some health issues. Bad breath doesn\u2019t just affect physical health; it can also affect your mental health by affecting your confidence, especially if it\u2019s noticeable to others.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

You can improve bad breath by consistently practicing good oral care and understanding what causes it. You should see your dentist or physician if good oral care doesn\u2019t improve halitosis.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Let\u2019s start by seeing what can cause bad breath.<\/span><\/p>\n

Causes of Bad Breath<\/b><\/h4>\n

Certain Foods<\/b><\/p>\n

It is common knowledge that foods like onion and garlic can cause temporary bad breath. When these foods break down into small particles, they can cause bad breath. And after they are digested and have entered our bloodstream, they are carried to your lungs with your blood and can affect your breath.<\/span><\/p>\n

Poor Dental Hygiene<\/b><\/p>\n

If you don\u2019t brush and floss regularly, food particles stuck in your teeth can cause bad breath. Brushing and flossing are also essential to remove plaque<\/a><\/strong> (a film of bacteria on your teeth) which can irritate gums and cause periodontitis.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Not cleaning your tongue every day can also make it harbor odor-causing bacteria.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tobacco<\/b><\/p>\n

Tobacco can cause its type of specific odors. And tobacco users are also more likely to have gum disease, which can cause bad breath.<\/span><\/p>\n

Dry Mouth<\/b><\/p>\n

Saliva plays a crucial role in cleaning your mouth and removing odor-causing bacteria. So when saliva production decreases, it can cause dry mouth (or xerostomia), increasing your chances of developing bad breath.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A dry mouth can occur during sleep but can worsen if you open your mouth. It is also caused by smoking, some medications, and diseases that affect the salivary glands.<\/span><\/p>\n

Medication<\/b><\/p>\n

Certain medications can affect saliva production and cause dry mouth, resulting in bad breath. Some medicines are broken down by the body to produce chemicals that can cause bad breath. Examples of those medications are high-dose vitamin supplements, nitrates, chemotherapy medication, phenothiazines, etc.<\/span><\/p>\n

Infections and Other Mouth, Nose, and Throat Conditions<\/b><\/p>\n

Infections caused by decaying teeth, gum diseases<\/a><\/strong>, or mouth sores can cause bad breath. Surgical wounds after oral surgery<\/a><\/strong> can also contribute to infections.<\/span><\/p>\n

Various other conditions in the mouth, nose, and throat can cause halitosis:<\/span><\/p>\n