Cause of Bad Breath

Bad breath, or halitosis, can be a major problem.

The good news is that bad breath can often be prevented with some simple steps.

Bad breath is caused by odour-producing bacteria that grow in the mouth. 

If you don't brush and floss regularly, bacteria accumulate on the bits of food left in your mouth and between your teeth. The sulphur compounds released by these bacteria cause bad breath.

Certain foods, especially ones like garlic and onions that contain pungent oils, can contribute to bad breath because the oils are carried to your lungs and out through your mouth.

Smoking is also a major cause of bad breath.

There are lots of myths about taking care of bad breath. Here are three things you may have heard about bad breath that are not true:

Mouthwash will cure bad breath

Mouthwash only gets rid of bad breath temporarily. If you do use mouthwash, look for an antiseptic (kills the germs that cause bad breath) and plaque-reducing one and make sure its alcohol-free, as the alcohol can dry the mouth making the bad breath worse.

Brush your teeth and you won't have bad breath.

The truth is that most people only brush their teeth for 30 to 45 seconds, which [s not long enough. To sufficiently clean all the surfaces of your teeth, mouth and tongue, you should brush for at least 2 minutes at least twice a day. It's important to floss because brushing alone won't remove harmful plaque and food particles that become stuck between your teeth and gums

You can check if you have bad breath by breathing into your hand.

Not true. When you breathe, you don't use your throat the same way you do when you talk. When you talk, you tend to bring out the odours from the back of your mouth (where bad breath originates), which simply breathing doesn't do. Also, because we tend to get used to our own smells, it's hard for a person to tell if he or she has bad breath.

If you're concerned about bad breath, make sure you're taking care of your teeth and mouth properly. Some sugar-free gums and mints can temporarily mask odours, too.

If you brush and floss properly and visit your dentist for regular cleanings, but your bad breath persists, you may have a medical problem like sinusitis or gum disease. Call your doctor or dentist if you suspect a problem. They can figure out if something else is behind your bad breath and help you take care of it.

There are many other causes of bad breath. If your bad breath persists it may be due to gum disease or even a more serious underlying medical condition.

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