Bad Breath Causes
Without doubt, bad breath is indeed a serious problem that only deserves to be immediately acted upon. Talking to a friend or coworker nearby while unaware that you have bad breath is surely everybody’s nightmare. Thus, it only helps to determine the various causes of bad breath in order to know how to take action on this.
A major reason why our mouths exhibit an unhealthy, foul odor is the kind of food that our bodies take in. During breakdown of food particles within the mouth, this unpleasant odor is produced. Foods that have volatile oils, such as garlic and onions, can also cause bad breath. Upon digestion, the oils of these foods are being absorbed by the bloodstream and are then brought to the lungs which exhibit through our breath, until such time that the food has already been taken out from the body. This type of foods may lead to bad breath that lasts up to 73 hours.
Bad breath may also root from dental problems, especially if the individual does not make it as his habit to brush and floss every day. This leads further to food particles remaining on the teeth and inside the mouth. The mouth is then responsible to collect bacteria and give off vapors of hydrogen sulfide. This only goes to show how important dental hygiene is. Plaque leads to irritation of the gums, gingivitis and tooth decay. Dentures should also be cleaned properly in order not to bring bacteria that cause bad breath.
A dry mouth may also bring about bad breath. The mouth’s saliva is essential as it helps cleanse and moisten the mouth. Thus, a dry mouth only leads dead cells to stack up in the cheeks, gums and tongue areas. After being decomposed, these dead cells produce the odor.
Also probable reasons of bad breath are sinus infections. The discharge coming from the sinuses to the back of the throat leads to mouth odor. Even bronchitis and throat and respiratory infections also lead to bad breath. Even using tobacco products is also another leading cause of bad breath. Strict dieting can also cause ketoacidosis, where chemicals are broken down during fasting, thereby producing an unpleasant fruity smell.
All these reasons that lead to bad breath only affirm the importance in keeping the mouth clean and healthy at all times. Stopping and avoiding bad breath is only a matter of changing one’s habits and lifestyle.
