Bad breath can be embarrassing. While you may carry an emergency stock of mints, they won’t address the underlying culprits. There’s always a reason for bad breath, also known as halitosis, so understanding the common ways this develops may help you find a solution. From gum disease to eating too much garlic, here are a few of the common reasons people experience bad breath.

5 Factors That Can Cause Halitosis

1. Poor Hygiene

If you don’t brush and floss regularly, food will stay on your teeth and, as all food does, start to rot. Brushing your teeth doesn’t just leave a fresh minty taste, but also removes the plaque buildup that causes bad breath and tooth decay. Brush twice a day and floss daily.

2. Diet

Certain foods can cause bad breath for different reasons. Foods that have strong aromas, like garlic, tuna, and onions, are common culprits. They are released into your bloodstream once you’ve digested them, which takes them into your lungs and leads you to breathe the scents back out.  

It may surprise you to learn that low-carb diets may also cause this issue. Certain chemicals are released into the breath as the body burns fat, which is what this type of diet is designed to do.

3. Medication

Some medications, including antidepressants, diet pills, and sinus medicines, can cause dry mouth. Dry mouth is a common cause of bad breath because there isn’t enough saliva to wash away bacteria and food particles, which means they stay in your mouth for longer.

If you take these drugs, discuss the side effects with your doctor for a prescription change and make sure to drink plenty of fluids.

4. Tobacco

If you’re a smoker or tobacco chewer, you’re unfortunately susceptible to bad breath. Not only do tobacco products themselves have pungent smells, but they also dry your mouth out.

Drinking water after smoking may help reduce some of the odor.

5. Infection

You will often experience bad breath if you have an infection in your mouth, such as an abscess or gum disease. Periodontal disease, in particular, is associated with halitosis because it’s caused by oral bacteria that release gases with pungent odors.

If you’ve ruled out the above causes, visit your dentist to ensure your oral health is in good condition.

Since 2005, New Horizons Dental LLC has provided personalized oral health care to the families of Wood County and Wisconsin Rapids, WI. Their goal is to educate their patients on proper dental care strategies they can practice at home. From treating gum disease to providing teeth whitening, they also offer a range of services to give you the smile you’ve always wanted. Give them a call today at (715) 424-7810 to schedule an appointment or go online to learn more about halitosis.