Common Causes of Bad Breath


• Food
– The consumption of food with strong odours or tastes can lead to bad breath. It is not surprising that garlic can still be smelled on one’s breath a few hours after it has been consumed – especially if proper dental hygiene (tooth brushing and dental flossing) is not practiced after consuming food with garlic. Coffee and red wine can also contribute to unpleasant-smelling breath – again, especially if the mouth is not properly cleaned after drinking these beverages.

• Dry Mouth
- Saliva naturally washes away food particles that can lead to the bacteria and germs multiplying inside the mouth. A dry mouth will be a good breeding ground for the multiplication of bacteria and germs, which can then lead to bad breath.

• Dental Problems
– Dental problems and infections inside the mouth can lead to germs and bacteria multiplying – which are perfect ingredients for the development of bad breath.

• Alcohol and Tobacco Consumption
– Smoking cigarettes and chewing on tobacco not only leads to stained teeth – they can also leave the mouth (and the breath) smelling unpleasant. The consumption of alcoholic beverages such as red wine can also leave the mouth and the breath smelling unpleasant – even more so if proper oral hygiene is not practiced.

Health Problems Associated with Bad Breath

Dental problems and mouth infections can cause bad breath to develop. However, there are some other medical conditions that can lead to the development of bad breath, such as:


• Blood disorders


• Diabetes


• Kidney diseases


• Liver diseases


• Lung diseases


• Gallbladder diseases


• Digestive tract diseases


• Tonsils or sinuses infection


• Carcinoma


How to Prevent Bad Breath


• Regular Tooth Brushing
– Regular and proper tooth brushing can help in the prevention of bad breath, especially after the consumption of food items that have strong odours or tastes. Tooth brushing ensures that food particles inside the mouth and in between the teeth are removed, so that these food particles cannot add to the bad breath risks.

• Proper Dental Flossing
– Proper dental flossing can effectively remove food particles in between the teeth and the gum line that have not been removed by tooth brushing alone.

• Tongue Cleaning
– Cleaning the tongue can also help in the prevention of bad breath, since the tongue can be a breeding ground for bad breath-causing germs and bacteria. A tongue scraper can effectively clean the tongue without discomfort; however a toothbrush can also be used to clean the tongue in the absence of a tongue scraper.

• Drinking Plenty of Water
– Water consumption can wash away any food bits that can contribute to the development of bad breath. Drinking plenty of water also prevents the development of a dry mouth, which can in turn lead to bad breath.

• Regular Toothbrush Replacement
– Toothbrushes should be replaced on a regular basis, especially when they are showing obvious signs of wear and tear. Replacing the toothbrush when needed ensures that you get the most out of a toothbrush’s life, and also eliminates the possibility of your toothbrush being a breeding ground for germs and bacteria.

• Regular Dental Check-Ups
– Regular visits to the dentist can prevent the development of bad breath, as the dentist will be able to detect dental problems that may lead to bad breath; your dentist will also be able to provide you with the information and tools necessary to avoid the development of bad breath altogether.

Bad breath is something that everyone wants to avoid at all costs – for their own sakes, and for the sakes of the people around them. It is helpful to learn more about the causes of bad breath, so you will have the knowledge of how certain factors help in the development of bad breath.

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