Halitosis, generally known as bad breath or fetor oris, affects individuals at some point in their lives. The smell may originate from the teeth, mouth, or due to a specific health condition. Foul breath might disappear on its own, but sometimes it could be a chronic condition. The American Dental Association (ADA) also states that at least 50 percent of grownups experienced bad breath in their lifetime.
One of the best ways to avoid halitosis is by knowing its leading causes. So let us discuss what causes bad breath so you can prevent it effectively.
5 Contributing Factors of Chronic Bad Breath
Bad breath can impact one’s confidence and cause emotional issues and anxiety. Bad breath can be tricky because you won’t even know you have it, and if people around you tell you about it, it could be going on for a while. Left unchecked, it can impact your work and social relationships. So we’ve gathered the five primary causes of bad breath to tell you what to avoid to prevent this troublesome condition.
1. Dry mouth
A dry mouth, or xerostomia, is a major culprit and contributor to halitosis. Dry mouth may occur for many factors, ranging from stress, age, medications, and tobacco use. Figuring out what’s causing your dry mouth and treating it may help combat halitosis.
2. 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 odor in the mouth.
Furthermore, utilizing any tobacco product increases your risk of developing gum disease and major health problems. Giving up cigarette smoking can prevent bad breath and even protect your overall health.
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3. Gum disease
Gum disease or periodontitis happens when plaque isn’t removed from the teeth. Plaque can eventually harden into tartar, which brushing can’t remove. Attempting to do so might irritate your gums, either. Tartar can form pockets or tiny openings between the teeth and gums. The food particles, bacteria, or dental plaque collected in these pockets may trigger a strong odor.
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4. Poor oral hygiene
Poor oral hygiene could be the most obvious cause of bad breath mentioned in this list. When you don’t clean your whole mouth and teeth daily, food particles that eventually become a sticky buildup of bacteria might form on your teeth. The uneven surface of the tonsils and tongue may trap bacteria and food particles in the mouth which will cause bad breath odor.
Poor oral care can cause serious health conditions like dental cavities and periodontal disease, which are also connected with foul breath. The best defense against bad breath will mainly revolve around a consistent and careful oral care routine. Regular visits to the dentist and professional dental cleaning North Battleford are also key.
5. Diet
Everyone knows onions and garlic will not give you fresh breath and can obviously trigger bad breath, but more dietary culprits can do more than those. Other foods that may trigger foul breath include horseradish, peanut butter, canned tuna, coffee, an abundance of protein, and dairy products.