10 Most Common Reasons You Have Bad Breath

What is Bad Breath?

Halitosis, also called Bad Breath, is a condition in which the breath has an unpleasant odor or taste. Also, it is usually a result of a decreased production of saliva. 

Halitosis may be caused by tooth decay, gum disease, dry mouth, smoking, certain foods, oral bacteria, or even certain medications.

While it can be embarrassing for the person with the condition and difficult to control because it is not always noticeable to others.

There are plenty of reasons why you could experience bad breath. This article will discuss what actually caused bad breath and what we need to prevent this unpleasant bad breath.

10 Most Common Causes of Bad Breath

It’s not uncommon to have bad breath from time to time.

Its causes are numerous and include a wide range of your lifestyles. For example, what you eat, how often you brush your teeth if you drink a lot of coffee or alcohol, and even certain medicines that you take.

Let’s talk about the 10 most common causes of bad breath.

1. Morning Breath: 
   • Saliva flow slows down during sleep, allowing bacteria to grow and cause bad breath.
   • It is essential to brush your teeth, floss your teeth, and use a mouthwash after waking up.
2. Foods: 
   • Garlic, onions, and other cruciferous vegetables contain compounds that can cause bad breath.
   • When these foods are digested, they enter the bloodstream and are then exhaled through the lungs.
3. Poor oral hygiene: 
   • Bad breath comes from the bacteria that builds up in the mouth when it is not cared for properly.
   • Bacteria is present in abundance when gaps between the teeth because tooth decay or gum disease.
   • Especially when food particles remain in the mouth, bacterial growth is well-promoted.
4. Gum disease: 
   • Inflammation on the gums is a common cause of bacteria colonies and food debris residing on the surface.
5. Dental cavities: 
   • Dental cavities and improperly fitted dental appliances can contribute to chronic bad breath.
6. Dry mouth (Xerostomia):
   • Xerostomia is a common side effect of certain medications and may also be caused by your salivary glands issues or if you breathe through your mouth for an extended period.
7. Tobacco products: 
   • The use of tobacco products causes bad breath and dries out the mouth.
8. Dieting: 
   • Ketones, a type of acid released when the body burns fat, can be detected in the breath.
9. Missed Meals, Hunger, or Dehydration: 
   • Drinking water and eating food stimulates saliva production, washing away bacteria.
10. Chronic illnesses and medical conditions:
    • Various medical conditions may be the root cause of bad breath, including diabetes, liver and kidney problems, chronic sinus infections, bronchitis, and pneumonia.

5 Best Methods to Prevent Bad Breath

In the modern world, bad breath is a common problem that plagues many people.

Fortunately, there are several ways to prevent this common occurrence from happening to you.

Here are five of the best ways that have been proven to work for a majority of people:

• Keep your good oral hygiene. 
  • Brush your teeth – Make sure to brush at least twice a day with ADA-approved fluoride toothpaste and toothbrush. 
  • Floss Everyday – It is essential to floss every day to remove food debris and plaque between the teeth and below the gumline. Leaving food residue and plaque on the teeth is a significant cause of tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath. Missing this step will result in an increased risk of cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease.
  • Clean Your Tongue – Brush or use a tongue scraper to clean the tongue and reach the back areas and areas that cannot be reached with a toothbrush to ensure all areas of your mouth are cleaned. 
  • New Toothbrush – Replace your toothbrush every 2 to 3 months. 
  • Clean Your Prosthesis – You must take the time to properly clean your dentures or removable bridges before placing them back in your mouth each morning. Start by brushing them thoroughly with a toothbrush and then carefully flossing between each one. See your dentist every 6 months – It is essential to see your dentist regularly for a check-up and cleaning. It is recommended that you visit your dentist at least twice a year if you are healthy, or at least three times a year if you have periodontal disease. 

• Stop smoking/chewing tobacco – It is time for you to make the decision to stop smoking/chewing tobacco. Ask your dentist what they would recommend as a habit-breaking product to help you prevent this unhealthy behavior.

• Drink water frequently – Drinking water is essential for many reasons. Not only does it help to keep your mouth moist, but it also helps to wash away bacteria. Drinking water frequently will also help ensure that you get the hydration your body needs throughout the day.

• Use mouthwash/rinses – It is important to change your habits by using mouthwash/rinses to ensure that your mouth continues to smell fresh and clean. Many over-the-counter mouth odor products only offer temporary relief to cover up the problem. Antiseptic mouthwashes are also an important tool for keeping your breath fresh and killing the bacteria that cause bad breath. 

Do you experience bad breath?

Contact your family dentist in Bellevue and Lynnwood if you are interested in preventing bad breath with a dental cleaning.

To make an appointment, call us at Bellevue Prime Dental (425) 605-3575 or Lynnwood Prime Dental (425) 251-0707 today.