People with halitosis often ask themselves, "Why do I have terrible breath?"
The most widely accepted theory on the origin of foul breath is that bacteria accumulates at the back of your tongue and below your gum line in your mouth. Every time you exhale with your mouth open, these germs release foul scents that are frequently likened to sulfur. This bacteria accumulation frequently indicates that you are not brushing and flossing well enough. Food fragments that lodge in your teeth and on your gums might feed the bacteria responsible for halitosis.
As kids become older, this is especially true. Junior might not be cleaning his mouth thoroughly enough while mom and dad are not in charge of the toothbrush. It may be a sign of improper brushing practices if parents begin to see halitosis in a child who had none before.
That being said, there are other possible causes of bad breath besides bacterial accumulation. It might also indicate the kinds of meals you have consumed. Foods with strong aromas, like onions and garlic, taste great when consumed, but they can leave an unpleasant aftertaste. They smell all the way down to your intestines, and mouthwash or brushing will not solve the issue. Before the scent goes away, the food must be really expelled.
Bad breath might also result from chewing tobacco or smoking cigarettes. Even when you have not smoked or drank for days, the stench of tobacco lingers. It is just one of the several negative consequences that these practices have on your oral health. You will always have foul breath if you use tobacco products.
Bacteria Are Not the Only Cause of Bad Breath
While bacteria accumulation accounts for over half of cases of foul breath, halitosis can also be a complication of more serious conditions. In certain situations, foul breath could be an indication of a persistent illness or condition. You might have one of these additional problems if your foul breath is chronic, does not go away with treatment, or goes better for a short while before getting worse.
Here's a brief summary of some medical conditions that could be the source of halitosis, or bad breath:
- Gum disease: Excessive plaque accumulation on teeth causes gum disease, which, if left untreated, can seriously harm the jawbone and mouth.
- Salivary gland Disorders: One of the adverse effects of these conditions is dry mouth, which can cause bad breath. Halitosis endures when there is insufficient saliva to wash away the bacteria that builds up on the tongue.
- The deposit on the back of your tongue might be caused by bronchitis, postnasal drip, sinus issues, or any other respiratory or nasal condition. It smells bad after a time.
- Acid reflux: People who have the condition for a long time experience so much acid refluxing back up into their mouths that they start to smell bad.
- Liver or renal issues: The characteristically terrible breath of those suffering from these conditions is a sign of issues lower in the body. Renal issues give off an ammonia-like stench, but liver issues, particularly cirrhosis, are linked to a rotten egg stench.
- Sleep apnea: This sleep apnea problem, which frequently results in mouth breathing, can produce dry mouth upon waking up, which in turn contributes to foul breath.
- Diabetes: Although not technically classified as bad breath, people with diabetes may have an overpowering sweet odor in their mouths. If you often smell like cake or cookies, you should get medical help right away.
Lastly, foul breath can also occur if you have been on a strict diet. Because your body goes into the fat-burning stage of ketosis when you fast or reduce your carb intake, you may experience halitosis. Breathing out causes the foul-smelling ketones that have accumulated in your body to be expelled. Eating a balanced diet is the greatest method to guarantee that the fragrance of your breath returns to normal. Visit to learn more.
