What is the Cause of Bad Breath?

What is the Cause of Bad Breath?

Many people experience occasional bad breath, but if it is a chronic problem and over-the-counter breath mints and sprays don’t help, you may have a more serious cause. The best way to find out the cause of your halitosis is to see your dentist or dental hygienist, who will perform a mouth exam and check for gum disease and other oral problems that can contribute to bad breath. Your dentist will also be able to tell you if the cause of your halitosis has anything to do with your diet or medications, as well as other medical conditions such as infections in the nose or throat, bronchitis, diabetes or liver or kidney problems.입냄새원인

The most common cause of halitosis is poor dental hygiene. When food particles are not brushed away, bacteria in the mouth grow and produce a foul smell. Certain foods like onions and garlic can also create a foul odor in the mouth, as these substances break down in the mouth and are absorbed into the blood stream, where they are then carried to the lungs to be exhaled.

Another common cause of halitosis, especially in smokers, is dry mouth. Saliva naturally cleans the mouth, but if you don’t drink enough water, a sticky film of bacteria called plaque builds up on teeth and irritates the gums. If you have a dry mouth, try to drink 50 to 70 ounces of water daily and use over-the-counter dry mouth rinses or sprays.

Certain drugs can also affect a person’s breath, particularly nitrates used to treat angina, antihistamines and some tranquilizers. If you are taking any of these medications, try to reduce your dosage or change to another medication.

Cloves can also help freshen breath and remove odor-causing bacteria. Suck on a clove or chew on a few whole cloves a few times a day for fresher breath.

Regular brushing and flossing can also help freshen your breath. It is recommended that you brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss once daily, and that you replace your toothbrush every three to four months or more often if necessary. Flossing can also help remove food particles from between the teeth, as well as lingering odor-causing bacteria on the tongue.해우소한의원