You could be asking what causes bad breath in your mouth. Regular mints and mouthwash may not be enough to get rid of the odor. The best approach is to know the cause before treating the symptoms. Bad breath is not only embarrassing but also makes you uncomfortable as you interact with other people. The following are some probable causes of bad breath.
1. Poor Dental Hygiene
It is crucial to brush your teeth at least twice or three times a day. However, this simple oral hygiene routine is rarely observed religiously. After a meal, particles accumulate on your teeth, the walls of your mouth and tongue. If the particles are not removed through regular and proper brushing and flossing, they decay and shelter bacteria. These bacteria cause fermentation, and thus, bad breath.
2. Smoking
Apart from the myriad of diseases caused by tobacco use, it has an unpleasant odor. Gum diseases caused by tobacco and its products are detrimental to a healthy mouth. Therefore, if you are a smoker and are worried about your breath, quitting will help you cut down on the odor.
3. Food
Eating certain foods predisposes you to unpleasant odor from the mouth. These include items that have a strong scent like raw onions and garlic. Even after brushing, you will retain the smell of these foods. If you enjoy the taste of these fragrant foods, there are some remedies like cooking onions over eating raw ones or cutting down on portions which will reduce bad breath.
4. Infection of Adjacent Body Organs
According to Medical News Today, infection of the nose, throat or mouth can cause unpleasant breath. In most instances, bacterial infections are the cause of bad breath and an infection in a body part that neighbors the mouth can contribute to a foul breath odor.
You should take the necessary precaution if you notice symptoms of unpleasant breath. At Huntingdon Valley Dental Arts, Dr. Zola Makrauer and Dr. Julie Miller will identify what causes bad breath through thorough examination and will then offer effective treatment. For more information on how to win the battle against bad breath, check out the article “How To Get Rid of Bad Breath” from Tips Bulletin.