Having bad breath is not less than a nightmare. Bad breath, medically referred to as halitosis can affect your personal and professional life. What is the most common cause of bad breath? Learning these causes of bad breath may help get rid of bad mouth odor. Bad breath does not occur due to underlying disease. They happen because of poor dental hygiene, recently eating some foods such as garlic or onions, and dehydration. Knowing these common reasons for mouth odor and how it is caused can help improve mouth odor.
What Is a Bad Odor?
Bad breath can either be a chronic problem or occur frequently. You should understand that both could be embarrassing. Bad breath is also referred to as embarrassing halitosis and in some cases, it can cause anxiety. Hence, products like gum, mouthwashes, mints, and other edible things are introduced to fight bad breath. Getting rid of bad breath is possible with some simple tips.
Symptoms of Bad Breath
Symptoms of bad breath can be identified before another person experiences it. Below are the most common symptoms of bad breath.
- Constant dry mouth
- Change in taste
- You may find a white coat on the tongue
- You may face postnasal drip
- Clearing throat frequently
- Build-up around the teeth
Causes of Bad Breath
What medical conditions cause bad breath? There are several reasons that you have a bad mouth odor. We have clubbed the most common reasons for bad breath.
Bad Oral Hygiene
If you do not maintain your teeth clean that may lead to harmful bacteria being stayed on the teeth, tongue, or gums. These bacteria generate sulfur compounds that create a smell like rotten eggs. The latest research shows that the upper side of the tongue, also called the dorsum, is the main source of these compounds among patients who experience gum problems and also among healthy individuals.
It occurs due to swelling of gums, particularly where you can’t clean with a toothbrush and floss. Poor oral hygiene may lead to dental plaque accumulations. It is a common sign of gingivitis that is the first stage of gum disease.
Not only gum disease, but cavities also play a role in trapping food debris and bacterial plaque which can cause halitosis.
Another important reason for halitosis is saliva. The intensity of sulfur compounds may increase due to the reduction of saliva flow reduction(also known as xerostomia.) Saliva helps keep bacteria and smelly breath at bay.
Ketones in the breath of diabetes cause a sweet-smelling odor that may come from the mouth. It happens when the blood glucose is imbalanced.
If you smell a ‘rotten egg’ means your stomach is being refluxed.
Lung Disease or Infection
If you are suffering from pneumonia, bronchitis, or lung cancer, it may affect breath smells while exhaling.
Not drinking enough water or being on medication may lead to dehydration that can cause bad breath and a change in taste.
Bad breath can be cured if you improve your oral hygiene. Follow these simple steps to maintain your mouth’s odor.
- Brush your teeth twice or after eating
- You should floss a day
- Clean you tongue
- Drink water to avoid dehydration
- Modify your diet
- Clean dental appliances