Breath odor is the scent of the air you exhale. An unpleasant or offensive odor is called bad breath. Another term for bad breath is halitosis, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. While different foods can cause bad breath, there are a number of other factors that can also influence breath odor.
Dry Mouth
Saliva is necessary to cleanse the mouth and remove odor-causing bacteria, according to the American Dental Association (ADA). Bad breath can occur when the flow of saliva decreases due to medication side effects, problems with the salivary gland or continually breathing through the mouth. "You may notice bad breath in the morning because the body produces less saliva during sleep," adds Mary Hayes, D.D.S, a dentist in Chicago and spokesperson for the ADA. Stressful situations can also cause dry mouth. The ADA recommends eating sugarless candy and increasing your fluid intake to help remedy dry mouth.
Certain Foods and Beverages
What you eat can cause bad breath because once food is digested, the molecules are transferred to the lungs and expelled during breathing. The National Institutes of Health names garlic, raw onions, cabbage and coffee as notorious bad-breath causers. Brushing your teeth and using mouthwash will help mask the problem, but the odor will continue until the body completely eliminates the food molecules in about 24 hours, says Dr. Hayes. Excessive dieting can also cause bad breath due to infrequent eating, according to the ADA.
Poor Oral Hygeine
Neglecting to brush and floss regularly leads to bad breath. This is because tiny food particles remaining in the mouth collect bacteria, which release unpleasant-smelling sulphur compounds, according to the NIH. The ADA warns that insufficiently cleaned dentures may also harbor foul-smelling bacteria and food particles. Additionally, bacteria left in the mouth can lead to gum disease, says Hayes. Also known as periodontal disease, this condition is a common cause of bad breath.
Smoking
The ADA states that tobacco products cause bad breath. Smoker’s breath is probably related to the tar, nicotine and other substances in tobacco, says Hayes. Good oral hygiene can help mask tobacco-caused halitosis, but kicking the habit is the only way to completely eliminate smoker’s breath. Smoking also increases the risk of gum disease, another cause of bad breath, notes Hayes.
Sinusitis
Sinus problems can lead to bad breath due to postnasal drip that deposits on the back part of the tongue. This mucous often has a foul smell. Bacteria can accumulate on the discharge, adding to the unpleasant smell, says Hayes. Additionally, sinus sufferers may breathe through the mouth because of a stuffed-up nose, which can worsen bad breath.
Other Medical Problems
Halitosis can sometimes be caused by more serious health problems. The ADA states that chronic bronchitis, diabetes, gastrointestinal disturbances, liver disease and kidney ailments can cause bad breath. If your dentist determines that your mouth is healthy, see your primary care physician to determine the cause of your lingering bad breath, recommends the ADA.
References
- Mary Hayes, D.D.S., dentist in Chicago, spokesperson for ADA
- American Dental Association: Bad Breath
- Family Doctor: Halitosis (Bad Breath)
- Medline Plus: Breath Odor
