What Causes Bad Breath?

Bad breath, known as chronic bad breath or halitosis, is a very common problem. It can be caused by your diet, oral health, or another medical condition. Here are four common causes of bad breath.

Reason #1: Dry Mouth

Saliva helps remove debris and food particles that can cause bad breath. If the saliva production decreases, then bad breath is likely to occur. This usually happens you’re asleep at night, which is why most people experience bad breath when they wake up in the morning. But if this problem persists, even after brushing and rinsing your mouth, then schedule an appointment with your Northbrook dentist.

Reason #2: Digestive Problems

Most of your bad breath stems from your stomach. Factors such as bowel problems, constipation, and poor digestion can cause bad breath to happen. Acid reflux is another issue that’s tied with bad breath according to patients from dentist Northbrook. Poorly digested foods can find their way up the esophagus and through the mouth, which leads to smelly breath.

Reason #3: Your Diet

Your diet can also be a contributing factor, especially if your exam at the Northbrook dental office doesn’t reveal any other underlying factors. A high-sugar diet can be a cause for bad breath. For example, if you eat a lot of sugar, you may find that your breath smells more than usual. This is because the bacteria that breed in your mouth will turn those sugars into a sour fragrance.

A high-protein or low-carb diet can also cause bad breath. If you’re not getting enough carbs, then your body will digest harder and release sulfurous gases that don’t metabolize properly. Some would say this smell is similar to boiled eggs. You can avoid this problem by eating a balanced and nutritious diet that’s rich in herbs and vegetables.

Reason #4: Oral Health

In general, bad breath is a leading cause of poor oral health. If you don’t brush and floss your teeth every day, those food particles will stay in your mouth and cause bacteria buildup. This leads plaque to harden on your teeth. The unclean surface on your teeth combined with the trapped food particles and an increase in bacteria can cause bad breath to occur.

Poor oral health can lead to other problems such as cavities and gum disease. Proper oral care and meeting with your dentist can help you combat against bad breath.
There are several other health problems that can contribute to this problem. Bad breath can be related to illness or disease. There are also rare instances in which bad breath is connected to metabolic disorders or cancer. This is why it’s important to make an appointment with your doctor as well as your Northbrook dentist, Dr. Steven N. Kacel, D.D.S., M.A.G.D., F.A.D.I..