What Causes Persistent Bad Breath?

When you have bad breath, also called halitosis, it’s good to know the cause so that you can get rid of it as soon as possible. There are many causes of bad breath, from medications and certain foods to dry mouth and medical issues. Here are the most common causes of bad breath that you should know.

Improper Oral Care

One of the primary causes of bad breath is simply poor dental hygiene. If you neglect to brush and floss your teeth regularly, you could have poor dental hygiene. The reality is that food particles can get lodged between your teeth, which will eventually cause bacteria to grow. When bacteria start to form on your teeth, an unpleasant smell could be released. Always remember that bacteria can form on your tongue too, so you’ll also want to brush your tongue daily.

Medical Issues

Many medical conditions can also produce bad breath. These medical conditions include oral cancer, gum disease, reflux disease, diabetes, kidney disease, tonsil stones, respiratory infections, and many more. Your dentist can help you determine if bad breath is caused by a dental or medical issue.

Mouth Infections

If you have infections in your mouth that are caused by tooth decay, surgical wound, or mouth sores, you may notice an unpleasant breath odor.

Dry Mouth

Also known as xerostomia, dry mouth is a hidden culprit of bad breath. If your mouth doesn’t have enough saliva, it’s unable to get rid of the bacteria that can cause foul odors. Most people get a dry mouth while they’re sleeping, leading to the dreadful “morning breath.” Just so you know, dry mouth can be significantly exacerbated if you sleep with your mouth open. If you suffer from chronic dry mouth, you should let your dentist know so that the dentist can help evaluate how well your salivary glands are working.

Medications

Many people are unaware that certain medications can cause bad breath in two ways. First, some medications have side effects that can cause a dry mouth, which ultimately results in bad breath. Second, when certain medications are processed in the body, they release chemicals. These chemicals can cause foul breath odor.

Tobacco Products

There’s no denying that tobacco products are a source of bad breath. Smoking can also lead to gum disease, which causes bad breath, too.

Certain Foods

When you like to eat garlic, onion, and foods with a lot of spices, you may be unintentionally suffering from bad breath. After you consume these foods, the particles are likely to get stuck between your teeth. The increase in bacteria or plaque on your teeth contributes to bad breath. More often than not, the odor will not last forever, though.

What to Do About Bad Breath

If you are suffering from bad breath, it’s a good idea to visit your dentist sooner rather than later.  After a visit with one of our exceptional dentists, you’ll know the exact cause of your bad breath and have a recommendation for the best treatment. Find your local Ideal Dental office today to schedule a visit with our dentists.