8 Causes of Bad Breath
The number-one cause of bad breath is bacteria, which always exist in the mouth. Dr. Claudia C. Cotca says, “There are Between 500–1,000 types of bacteria in our mouths that we may use for metabolic breakdown, some of which don’t need oxygen to survive. When that’s the case, these bacteria live well in the pockets of the gums and on the tongue and thrive and multiply if left unchecked, which can lead to malodor in the mouth.”
Poor Oral Hygiene
Brushing twice a day and flossing daily are key to preventing diseases that cause bad breath. “Gum and periodontal disease can occur from poor oral hygiene,” says Fort Washington, PA, prosthodontist Glenn J. Wolfinger, DMD.
What a White Tongue Means
If you notice a white film or residue on your tongue, it’s your body’s way of telling you that you have a buildup of bacteria and, most likely, bad breath. “Anything that’s white or yellow on the tongue is nothing more than a buildup of bacteria and volatile sulfur compounds,” says Dr. Cotca. Supersmile Ripple Edge Tounge Cleaner, $4, supersmile.com