Approximately 30% of people today experience foul breath. Halitosis is another name for it. People who have bad breath may feel ashamed and even anxious. Today’s world is filled with shops that are bursting with mints, gum, mouthwash, mouth fresheners, etc. They were created specifically to combat foul breath. All of these goods, meanwhile, are merely temporary fixes that do not affect the root of the problem.
Let’s first comprehend the top 9 possible causes of bad breath.
Tobacco:
Tobacco products can leave your mouth smelling in certain ways. They also raise the risk of gum disease, which can lead to poor breath.
Food:
Odors may be caused by the breakdown of food particles lodged in the teeth. Some foods, like garlic and onions, can also contribute to bad breath. Once they have been digested, the blood carries the breakdown products to the lungs where they can impact breathing.
Dry mouth:
The mouth is naturally cleaned by saliva. Odors can accumulate if the mouth is normally dry or dry as a result of a specific illness, like xerostomia.
Dental hygiene:
Brushing and flossing ensure that minute food particles that can accumulate and slowly decompose, causing odor, are removed. If you don’t brush regularly, plaque—a coating of bacteria—builds up. Periodontitis, an inflammation between the teeth and gums, can be brought on by this plaque irritating the gums. Dentures that are not cleaned regularly or properly can also harbor bacteria that cause halitosis.
Crash diets:
Halitosis can be brought on by fasting and low-carbohydrate diets. This is a result of the breakdown of fats, which release molecules known as ketones. The fragrance of these ketones is potent.
Drugs:
Some drugs can decrease saliva production, which elevates smells. As other medications degrade and release substances into the breath, they can emit smells. Nitrates used to treat angina, some chemotherapeutic compounds, and some tranquillizers like phenothiazines are a few examples. Large vitamin supplement users may also be more susceptible to developing foul breath.
Mouth, nose, and throat ailments: On occasion, tiny stones covered in bacteria can develop on the tonsils at the back of the throat and emit a foul odor. Halitosis can also result from nasal, throat, or sinus infections or inflammation.
Illnesses:
Because of the unique chemical combinations that some malignancies, liver failure, and other metabolic diseases produce, halitosis can be brought on by these conditions. Due to the continuous reflux of stomach acids, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can result in poor breath.
People who are worried about the causes of foul breath should always take good care of their mouth, teeth, tongue, and overall oral hygiene. Market-available gums and mints are simply a stopgap measure because they only temporarily disguise odors. The best action is to schedule routine checkups and cleanings at the dentist.
