Causes Of Bad Breath

Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is a very common condition for many adults. It can be caused by something you eat, or it could signify a more serious problem with your health. Read below to find out about the causes of bad breath.

General Oral Health

Most cases of bad breath are related to a poor oral hygiene routine. If you don’t clean your mouth regularly, food particles will remain in your mouth and a build up of bacteria, known as plaque, can form on your teeth. The uneven surface of your tongue can trap food particles and bacteria in the mouth, which results in bad breath. Keeping a thorough and consistent oral hygiene routine is the best way to prevent bad breath.

Eating Strong Foods And Drinks

Certain foods, such as onions, garlic and some spices, cause odor-containing particles to enter the bloodstream and travel to the lungs, causing bad breath.

Coffee

Coffee may have an impact on your breath as it has a strong flavour, but it also affects your saliva flow. After drinking coffee, the caffeine causes a decrease in saliva production which results in an increase in odor causing bacteria.

Alcohol

Drinking alcohol, particularly in excess, results in a decrease of saliva production, creating an environment for odor-causing bacteria to flourish.

High Sugar Diets

A diet that is high in sugar can result in bad breath as the sugar feeds the bacteria in your mouth, turning the sweets into bad smells.

Digestive Issues

If you experience acid reflux, the odors from recently consumed foods may make their way back up, causing bad breath.

Prescription medication

Lots of prescriptions result in dry mouth, meaning that the production of saliva decreases. This creates an environment that the bacteria love. Also, when some medications are broken down in the body, they release chemicals that can be carried through your bloodstream to to your breath.

If you are concerned about your bad breath and you’re worried that there is a more serious cause, call us on 01723 670500 to book an appointment.