Bad breath can be a hindrance to forming interpersonal relationships, attracting romantic interests and developing effective working relationships with colleagues who interact closely with you. Bad breath has many causes, one of which includes poor oral hygiene, says the American Dental Association (ADA). Other causes of malodorous breath may require you to see a dentist or physician to treat the underlying cause.
About Halitosis
Breath odor can be described as the scent of the air that comes out of your mouth when you exhale, explains the National Institutes of Health (NIH). When breath odor is unpleasant or causes offense to the people around you, it's called bad breath, or halitosis. You may not even be aware that your breath is kicking up a stink, says the ADA. Mints, gums and mouthwashes can mask the smell of halitosis, but these work only temporarily.
The Food Factor
If you want to avoid bad breath, what you eat matters. Foods with volatile oils, most notably onion and garlic, can cause halitosis that lingers for up to three days after you eat them, according to the Mayo Clinic. Brushing your teeth and using mouthwash may only make a dent in the problem. The ADA explains that when you eat these tasty but odoriferous food types, they are absorbed by your blood and then travel to your lungs, where their residual scent is expelled through your breath until the food is completely eliminated from your body.
Bad Breath and Oral Hygeine
Poor oral hygiene is the most common cause of bad breath, says the NIH. After you eat, small particles of food remain in your mouth, lingering between your teeth and sticking to your tongue and gums. The bacteria that builds up on these particles has a distinctly unpleasant odor. The ADA underscores the importance of brushing your teeth twice a day--including your tongue--and flossing once daily to remove residual food. Nipping other dental problems in the bud, such as periodontal disease, is essential to good oral hygiene. The ADA advises seeing your dentist for a professional cleaning and examination regularly.
Other Causes
Sinus and throat infections, as well as bronchitis and other upper respiratory disorders, can be the cause of bad breath. So can certain diseases, according to the Mayo Clinic. Some of these cause your breath to have a very distinctive odor. People with kidney failure may have breath that smells like urine, while diabetics may have sweet, fruity breath. Gastrointestinal reflux disease, chronic lung infections and lung abscesses and certain types of cancer and metabolic disorders may also cause bad breath. Tobacco use, dry mouth and fasting can also result in bad breath, according to the Mayo Clinic.
What to Do About Halitosis
See your dentist if brushing your teeth and flossing don't get rid of bad breath. If lingering halitosis isn't caused by insufficient oral hygiene or a dental problem, your dentist will most likely refer you to a physician to determine the cause, says the ADA.
