Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. While it can be embarrassing or uncomfortable to talk about, the good news is that it’s always treatable. At Dr Ivan Marx Inc, we help patients understand the causes of bad breath and offer professional solutions that go beyond just treating the symptoms.
Whether you’ve noticed persistent bad breath yourself or a loved one has mentioned it, this article will walk you through what might be causing it, what you can do at home, and when it’s time to see your dentist.
What Causes Bad Breath?
There are several reasons someone might develop halitosis. Some are temporary and harmless, while others may point to more serious dental or health issues.
1. Poor Oral Hygiene
The most common cause of bad breath is the accumulation of plaque on the teeth, gums, tongue and palate. When plaque accumulates and is left uncleaned for long periods of time, it begins to produce foul-smelling chemicals known as volatile sulphur compounds (VSCs).
2. Gum Disease
Gum disease usually exists as a continuum of poor oral hygiene. Plaque that is left on the teeth, gums and tongue for long periods of time becomes hard (calcified) and glues itself to the teeth, making it impossible to remove with a toothbrush. These hard pieces of plaque eat the same food we do, and subsequently burn a hole in your teeth, usually underneath the gums, as well as destroy the bone around the teeth.
3. Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)
Saliva is one of the most important aspects of a healthy mouth. A steady flow of
watery saliva helps wash away plaque from the teeth and gums, and protects the
teeth from being dissolved by acid in our food and the acid produced by bacteria. If
you have a dry mouth, this protective factor may be limited or non-existent, making
you more prone to dental diseases and bad breath.
4. Diet
Diets that are high in certain foods may contribute to a phenomenon known as
perceived halitosis. This is a temporary condition whereby you or someone close to
you may not like the smell of your breath because of some of the food you recently
ate. Examples of this would be: Garlic, onions, tuna, and fish. This is usually
temporary and not a true indication of disease or dental problem.
5. Smoking or Tobacco Use
Smoking and tobacco use in any form contribute significantly to the development of a
dry mouth. The saliva becomes less watery and more viscous, and is usually not
produced as much as in those who do not smoke. Smoking also destroys the blood
vessels in the gums, which makes you more prone to developing gum disease and
getting cavities.
6. Medical Conditions
In some cases, bad breath is linked to conditions like:
• Sinus infections
• Acid reflux
• Diabetes
• Kidney or liver issues
If you or someone you know is suffering from bad breath, it is a very important sign
that they should book a dental consultation as soon as possible. The earlier the
issue is addressed the less potential issues there will be.