Causes of Bad Breath

Halitosis is the medical term for bad breath. When most people talk about bad breath, however, they are referring to halitosis. While bad breath can be a sign of something serious, it’s also common. In fact, up to 30% of Americans suffer from chronic bad breath. There are a variety of causes, most of which can be remedied with the right treatment.

Bad breath can be caused by many factors, including:

Poor Oral Hygiene

Brushing and flossing your teeth is essential for keeping your breath smelling fresh. If you skip your oral hygiene routine, food particles, bacteria, and plaque buildup will remain in your mouth. Over time, this can lead to bad breath.

Tobacco Use

Tobacco use is one of the causes of bad breath. It helps create an odor that sticks to the mouth and gums.

Tobacco that is smoked or chewed can cause bad breath. The odor from tobacco is noticeable when exhaled and sticks to the mouth, and causes bad breath.

Medical Conditions

Medications for high blood pressure, anxiety, depression, and Parkinson’s disease can cause dry mouth. A lack of saliva production leaves the mouth vulnerable to odor-causing bacteria. Dry mouth is also associated with other medical conditions like cancer and diabetes.

Dry mouth can also result from certain medications like antihistamines, muscle relaxants, and antidepressants.

Dry Mouth

Dry mouth is a condition that can cause bad breath. Saliva is needed to wash away food particles, protect teeth from decay, and neutralize acids. People who suffer from dry mouth are at a higher risk for developing tooth decay and gum disease due to decreased saliva production. Dry mouth can be caused by medications, medical conditions, or lifestyle choices.

Inadequate Tongue Cleaning

The tongue is covered with thousands of small, bumpy bumps called papillae. These papillae collect food particles and bacteria throughout the day. If you are not brushing or scraping your tongue clean, those food particles and bacteria will remain on the tongue and cause bad breath.

Failing Dentures

Failing dentures are a common cause of halitosis. When dentures don’t fit properly, they can rub against the soft tissues of your mouth and cause irritation. In addition, dentures that are not cleaned properly harbor food particles and bacteria, which can cause bad breath.

Gum Disease

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, affects more than 50 percent of adults in the United States. Gum disease creates pockets between the teeth and gums, allowing harmful bacteria to build up and cause bad breath, as well as gum pain.

Gum disease is caused by poor oral hygiene. If you skip flossing, brush too aggressively, or don’t replace your toothbrush often enough, you allow plaque and bacteria to build up. This causes gum disease, which is the leading cause of tooth loss.

Louie Family Dentistry is dedicated to providing the best care for your health. To know more about bad breath and its causes, come to our office at 41268 Fremont Blvd, Fremont, CA 94538. Please contact us at (510) 656-7778.