Bad breath, causes and treatments

Bad breath is a common symptom of poor oral hygiene, eating certain foods, using tobacco products, or even dry mouth. Bad breath  is a much more common problem than you think, affecting one in three people to some degree.

The most common reason for this is our teeth, the care and control of which we often neglect. Bad breath results from sulfur compounds released by bacteria in the mouth, bad breath or salivary gland dysfunction. Without daily brushing and flossing, food particles remain in the mouth, tongue, and between the teeth. These food particles collect bacteria, which cause bad breath. Infections of the gums and salivary glands can both lead to bad breath.

Some diets, such as those with high protein, but also diseases such as diabetes, periodontitis, bronchitis, respiratory infections, sinusitis are also causes of bad breath and mouth.

What are the causes of bad breath?

Let’s take a closer look at the most important and common causes of bad breath:

The Nutrition.

Some foods such as garlic and onion create an unpleasant odor on the breath. This is due to some of the essential oils contained in them. After chewing food, small pieces of food remain in the mouth and mainly between or around the teeth. These are catalyzed and this can lead to bad breath. 

Alcohol.

Alcohol, after being absorbed, enters the bloodstream and comes out with the breath. It is for this reason that one can calculate how much alcohol one has drunk with the breathalyzer test. 

It should be noted that alcohol itself is odorless. The characteristic smell that someone who has drunk has, is due to other ingredients that are added to alcoholic beverages.

Dry mouth.

Saliva helps to moisturize and clean the mouth. 

When the mouth is dry, dead cells are collected on the tongue, gums, cheeks and due to their decomposition, bad smells are created.

It is normal for the mouth to dry out during sleep. It is for this reason that in the morning we have bad breath.

People who sleep with their mouths open have their mouth more dry. Some medications and smoking can cause a dry mouth as well as diseases of the salivary glands.

Tooth problems.

Inadequate oral care and hygiene as well as periodontal disease can be sources of bad breath.

When teeth are not brushed daily, then bacteria is spread on the teeth and form a colorless colony. If they are not cleaned by brushing the teeth then they can cause gingivitis and caries. 

In addition the bacteria can spread and create foci between the teeth and gums and thus cause periodontitis. This aggravates the problem and makes the breath odor worse. 

Diseases of the nose, mouth and larynx.

Diseases of the sinuses, such as sinusitis create pus which can go back to the pharynx resulting in bad breath.

Streptococcal pharyngitis, tonsillitis and infectious mononucleosis cause bad breath until the infection is cured.

Bronchitis and other upper respiratory tract infections cause phlegm and sputum that can be purulent which is a source of bad breath.

Ulcers that form in the mouth, especially in cases where there is periodontal disease, are also causes that cause bad breath.

Illnesses.

Chronic lung disease and the abscesses that can form in them can cause a very bad breath.

Some other chronic diseases cause characteristic bad odors. 

Patients with diabetes have a breath smell which smells like fruit. Patients suffering from chronic gastro-oesophageal reflux disease or even those with mild diaphragmatic hernia may have an unpleasant odor emitted by their breathing.

Cigarette, pipe and other smoking products.

Smoking dries the mouth and creates due to the smoke a particularly bad smell. Smokers are also more vulnerable to developing periodontal disease which contributes to smokers having an even more bad breath.

Strict diet.

People who follow a very strict diet for metabolic reasons may develop ketone-acidosis due to the catabolism of chemicals in the body, which is accompanied by an unpleasant odor from the mouth that resembles somewhat fruit.

Digestive disorders.

Bad breath is not often due to a digestive problem, but it is one of the causes that is very difficult to treat. It could be affected by the stomach or liver and therefore, you should look for the appropriate treatment to cleanse your entire digestive system.

Respiratory problems.

One of the lesser known causes of bad breath is difficulty breathing, whether it is caused by an upper or lower respiratory problem. Generally, this has to do with the presence of mucus and the focus of an inflammation somewhere along the airway.

What to do to prevent bad breath.

Each person can take some steps in order to prevent bad breath or improve an unpleasant condition:

Brush your teeth after eating. 

In addition to brushing in the morning (as soon as you wake up) and in the evening (before you go to bed) it is good to have a mini set of toothpaste together at work to clean your teeth after a snack or meal .

Tongue brushing.

Tongue brushing removes dead cells, bacteria and other food debris from its surface.

 

Floss once a day.

Flossing is not an exaggeration or a luxury in oral hygiene. It is necessary and removes food (or plaque) that is stuck between the teeth and did not come out with brushing. Use it at least once a day.

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