Halitosis or bad breath is a no-no for anyone. It's always annoying to talk to someone with bad breath and it reflects just how poor their hygiene can be.
The worst thing about people with bad breath is that more often than not, they're not even aware they have it simply because they have gotten accustomed to the foul smell from their mouth.
While poor oral hygiene is a factor, there are many cases when bad breath is caused by some thing else. Here are 10 causes of bad breath to help you effectively address the problem:
#1: Poor oral hygiene
Bacteria can build up in between teeth as well as along the gums and the tongue, causing the production of gases that have unpleasant smell. These bacteria not only cause bad breath, but also tooth decay and gum disease. Flossing and brushing your teeth can reduce bacteria buildup and eventually treat halitosis.
#2: Tonsillitis
Persistent bad breath could mean you have sore throat diseases, including tonsillitis. The bacteria that cause halitosis could affect your tonsils as well.
#3: Dehydration
Being dehydrated is actually the top cause of bad breath. Drink enough water, so that food particles won’t stay in your mouth.
#4: Stomach ulcer
The typical symptoms of stomach ulcers are bad stomach pain, heartburn, and problems eating. But there’s another one: halitosis, which is caused by Helicobacter pylori – the same bacteria that cause stomach ulcer.
#5: Overweight
The more overweight a person is, the more malodorous he/he smells like to other people. There is no specific reason for this, but researchers believe biological dysfunction plays a role.
#6: Excessive mouthwash
While mouthwashes are for reducing bad breath, too much use can remove even the good bacteria in your mouth.
#7: Excessive outdoor exercising
A study by the European Respiratory Society showed that athletes have more breathing problems than other people. Too much outdoor air can dry out the mouth and pollution can wreak havoc to oral health.
#8: High heart disease risk
Most of us don’t know that gum disease and heart disease are strongly related. In fact, gingivitis is an early sign of cardiovascular disease. Treating bad breath and other mouth problems can actually help improve heart health.
#9: High preterm delivery risk
Pregnant women who have halitosis and gum disease have a high risk of delivering low birth weight or premature babies.
#10: Diabetes
Another health problem that causes bad breath is diabetes, which is due to inadequate production of insulin. Fruity odor or acetone-like smell is often a result.
Don’t start freaking out and think you have diabetes or other health conditions if you have bad breath. Any of the above-mentioned reasons could be a cause for your problem. It is best to begin with practicing good oral hygiene and if the problem doesn’t go away, you should have yourself checked especially if you experience other serious symptoms.
Source: Steth News
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