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Causes of Halitosis
Most people at some time in their life have halitosis (bad breath), and many people suffer from chronic halitosis. The most common cause of bad breath is particles of food remaining in the mouth after meals. These tiny particles accumulate between the teeth, on the tongue and around the gums. When they begin to interact with the bacteria in your mouth, the trapped food particles cause an unpleasant odor.
Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth can be warning signs of gum (periodontal) disease. Gum disease is caused by the same food particles that accumulate in the mouth and form plaque and calculus. Regular dental checkups will help detect and treat periodontal disease early.
Bad breath also may be a result of a disorder called xerostomia, or dry mouth, sometimes caused by certain medications and medical condition. A dental professional can diagnose xerostomia and help you alleviate dry mouth symptoms.
Certain foods may temporarily cause bad breath. Raw onions, garlic and cabbage produce sulfur-containing gasses when they are digested. The sulfur compounds are absorbed into the bloodstream, carried to the lungs and are exhaled with breathing.
In addition to staining teeth, irritating gum tissue and contributing to oral cancer, the use of tobacco products can cause bad breath.
Bad breath may also be a sign of some medical conditions, such as a respiratory tract infection, sinusitis, and others. Your dental health professional should first rule out your mouth as a source of the odor before referring you to a medical doctor. |
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