Is bad breath a sign of illness?

Bad breath, also referred to as halitosis, is common and can usually be treated. It may be caused by something you eat, by lifestyle choices such as smoking, and can also represent a general oral health issue or serious medical concern. This article will discuss various causes for bad breath.

General Oral Health

Most cases of bad breath are caused by poor oral hygiene. When patients do not regularly clean their teeth, food particles can stay on the teeth and form a sticky buildup of bacteria or plaque. The uneven surface on the tongue and tonsils can also trap food particles and bacteria which are common causes for bad breath odor. Poor oral hygiene and neglect can also causes other oral health issues such as cavities or gum disease which are both associated with bad breath. Maintaining a good oral hygiene routine at home is excellent way to help prevent bad breath.

Food and Beverage Consumption

Consuming certain foods like onions, garlic, some vegetables and spices can allow odor-causing food particles to enter the bloodstream. These particles then move to the lungs and impact the odor of your breath each time you breathe.

Coffee

Coffee can also cause patients to have bad breath from the intense and acidic flavor. It can also negatively impact the production of saliva. When you consume coffee, the caffeine causes a lower amount of saliva production. Reduced saliva often translates to an increase in the odor-causing bacteria in the mouth.

Alcohol

Consuming alcohol could be another culprit for your bad breath. The more frequently you drink alcohol, the more likely you are to experience bad breath. Drinking alcohol, especially in excess, causes a decrease in the production of saliva. As previously stated, the reduced production of saliva can allow an increase in odor-causing bacteria.

Sugary Diets

Diets which are high in sugar and protein can also be the cause for bad breath. A diet that is high in sugar can lead to bad breath and in some cases, can be the culprit for halitosis. Bacteria, which naturally present in the mouth, feeds on sugar.

Low-Carb and High-Protein Diets

Carbohydrates aid in necessary functions of the body. Diets which restrict the amount of carbs you consume can lead to bad breath. When the body does not have sufficient carbohydrates to function, it can cause changes to the body’s metabolism, and in turn lead to bad breath.

High-protein foods can also be difficult for the body to digest. They tend to release sulfurous gases when they do not metabolize. This can be prevented through consuming a balanced diet which includes fruit, vegetables and herbs.

Smoking

Tobacco products are commonly known to cause bad breath. Tobacco also leads to many other serious health issues such as cancer. In addition to giving the mouth a foul odor, tobacco products can damage the gum tissue and cause gum disease.

Digestive Issues

Poor digestion, constipation, or bowel disorders can also lead to bad breath. Patients who frequently experience acid reflux allows the odors from food to easily travel back up the esophagus and out the mouth.

Dry Mouth

Saliva aids in maintaining a clean mouth by removing food particles that cause bad breath. When the saliva production is low, bad breath often follows. A reduced production of saliva occurs naturally when people are sleeping. This helps explain why most people’s breath smells bad when they first wake up. If the problem persists throughout the day, talk to your dentist about possible treatment solutions.

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