Bad breath might be caused by something you consume, or it can indicate a more significant oral health condition or major medical concern. Let’s look at some reasons you might be experiencing bad breath or halitosis.
Oral Health in General
The majority of bad breath is caused by poor oral hygiene. Food particles will remain in your mouth if you do not do proper oral care daily. Over time a plaque will form, which is a sticky build-up of bacteria on your teeth. This build-up can gather in and around your teeth, causing a foul odor.
Poor oral hygiene contributes to other oral health issues such as cavities and gum disease. These two are other reasons you might be experiencing bad breath, which is why it is important to ensure that you are brushing, flossing, and seeing your dentist for a professional cleaning every 6 months.
Alcohol
Another cause of nasty breath is alcohol intake. Thus the more you drink, the more likely you are to have it. Drinking alcohol, especially in excess, reduces saliva production, creating the ideal habitat for odor-causing bacteria to thrive.
Smoking
Tobacco products, whether cigarettes, chewing, or a pipe, all produce bad breath. The use of tobacco products can lead to far more significant oral health problems. Gum tissue is damaged by tobacco which will cause gum disease. Not to mention that smoking will cause your mouth to smell like an ashtray.
Coffee
Coffee can induce bad breath due to its strong flavor and influence on saliva production. Caffeine causes a decrease in saliva production. Less saliva equals more odor-causing germs.
After Eating Certain Foods
Stench-causing food particles enter the bloodstream after eating specific foods, such as onions, garlic, some vegetables, and spices. These odors are then delivered to the lungs, where they impact the odor of your breath each time you exhale.
Low-Carb or High-Protein Diets
Carbohydrates perform important roles in our systems, and a reduced carbohydrate diet can result in poor breath. When the body does not obtain enough carbs as a result of a diet, it can induce changes in metabolism. These changes can be smelt on the breath. This is sometimes referred to as Keto breath.
High-protein foods can be challenging for your body to digest and produce sulfurous fumes when not metabolized. Eat a more balanced and nutritious diet with more veggies and herbs to avoid this.
Other things that can cause bad breath are health issues, digestive problems, dry mouth, and certain medications. Bad breath could be a sign that there are medical conditions that need to be addressed. If you don’t have a diet rich in protein or sugar, don’t smoke, or use excessive alcohol, you might want to see your doctor to ensure there isn’t something more going on with your body. As always, it is also a great time to make a dental appointment to ensure you don’t have decay or excess plaque build-up as well. Call TLC Dental at (02) 8599 7107 today to schedule an appointment.