Medically known as halitosis, bad breath is characterised by an unpleasant smell coming from the mouth. It is a common problem that affects everyone. The occasional bad breath is usually not a cause for concern and can be remedied by simple lifestyle changes, such as brushing your teeth more often or using mouthwash.
However, if bad breath becomes a chronic problem, it could be a sign of an underlying medical condition. In this post, we will look at some of the common causes of bad breath and why you should have a dentist help you.
What Is The Definition Of Bad Breath?
From morning breath to garlic and onion breath, to smoking breath, bad breath can come in many different forms. Some people worry too much about their breath even though they have little or no mouth odour, while others have bad breath and don’t know it. It is often difficult to assess your own breath, so it is best to ask a close friend or family member if they notice anything. Bad breath can be temporary and last just a few hours, or it can be chronic and long-lasting.
The Causes Of Bad Breath
There are a number of different things that can cause bad breath, including
Food
The breakdown of food particles in and around your teeth can increase bacteria and cause a foul odour. Eating certain foods, such as garlic and onions, can cause your breath to smell bad.
Smoking
Various tobacco products cause their own unpleasant mouth odour. Similarly, Smokers and oral tobacco users are also at a greater risk to have gum disease and tooth decay, which is another source of bad breath.
Poor Dental Hygiene
One of the most common causes of bad breath is poor oral hygiene. If you don’t brush and floss daily, food particles remain in your mouth, causing bad breath. Similarly, dentures that aren’t cleaned regularly or don’t fit properly can harbour odour-causing bacteria and food particles.
Tooth Decay
If not brushed away, a colourless, sticky film of bacteria, known as plaque, forms on your teeth. This can irritate your gums and begin to decay your teeth, eventually leading to bad breath.
Dry mouth
Saliva is the body’s way of washing away food particles and bacteria that cause bad breath. If you have a dry mouth, there is not enough saliva to wash away these odour-causing particles, leading to bad breath. Dry mouth naturally occurs during sleep, leading to “morning breath,” and it worsens if you sleep with your mouth open. Some medications can indirectly produce bad breath by contributing to dry mouth.
Other Conditions
Some diseases such as cancer and metabolic orders can cause a distinctive breath odor as a result of chemicals they produce.
Let The Experts Help You
If you’re concerned about your breath, the first step is to visit your dentist or dental hygienist. They can help determine the cause of your bad breath and recommend the best way to treat it.
Buderim Family Dental is a family-owned and operated dental practice servicing patients in the Sunshine Coast and Buderim. Their goal is to provide patients with the highest quality of dental care in a friendly and relaxed environment.