Bad breath, or medically called halitosis, could be the result of something you ate, or could signify an oral health issue or even a broader medical issue. The following are some common causes of bad breath.
Common Causes of Bad Breath
- Oral Health Issues- Bad breath is quite often the result of poor oral hygiene. Not brushing your teeth consistently allows food particles to stay in your mouth, which also allows an accumulation of plaque to form on your teeth. Your tongue will trap food particles and bacteria, which also causes bad breath. Poor oral hygiene will cause cavities, plaque buildup, and gum disease, which all result in bad breath. Exercising consistent oral care with brushing, flossing, and mouthwash is a successful preventative defense for bad breath.
- Eating Flavorful Food and Drink- After certain foods, such as garlic, onions, spices, or some vegetables, odor-causing food particles can enter your bloodstream and be taken to your lungs, resulting in bad breath.
- Coffee and Bad Breath- A cup of coffee can easily leave you with bad breath. Coffee may cause bad breath because of its intense taste, but it will also impact saliva production. The caffeine in coffee reduces saliva production. Less saliva results in an increase in odor-causing bacteria.
- Alcohol and Bad Breath- Alcohol consumption causes bad breath. Drinking alcohol also results in a decrease in saliva production, which then promotes odor-causing bacteria.
- High-Sugar Diets- A diet high in sugar and protein can result in bad breath. A high sugar diet will lead to accelerated plaque buildup and bad breath from the sugar interaction with existing bacteria.
- High-Protein or Low-Carb Diets- If your diet is low in carbs or elevated in protein, it can cause bad breath. If you do not consume adequate carbs, it changes your metabolism as your body breaks down fats and proteins for energy, which then causes bad breath. Eat a balanced and nutritious diet.
- Stress Can Cause Bad Breath- Breathing while being anxious will dry out your mouth and result in bad breath. Stress-related fasting affects your digestion by under-nourishing your stomach of necessary enzymes.
- Smoking and Smoker’s Breath- All tobacco products cause bad breath while leading to more serious oral health issues. Your mouth smells like an ashtray, damaging vulnerable gum tissue.
- Digestive Issues- Poor digestion, constipation, or bowel disorders can result in bad breath because of the effects it has on your stomach.
- Dry Mouth- Saliva keeps your mouth clean by continuously removing food particles, causing bad breath. If the natural production of your saliva stops, bad breath will follow. This happens while you sleep, resulting in your bad breath after waking up.
- Prescription Medication- Some medications can cause dry mouth. Once again, when your mouth becomes dry, saliva production decreases, increasing odor-causing bacteria.
Symptoms Related to Possible Illness
Bad breath is usually the result of odor-causing bacteria buildup, yet there are other health conditions that can contribute to the issue. Having consistent bad breath could be a warning sign of disease or illness. Some common examples are diabetes, sinus problems, postnasal drip, respiratory and tonsil infections, kidney and liver issues, as well as a blood disorder. Bad breath can even be a symptom of lung cancer, stomach cancer, or metabolic disorders.