Bad breath, medically called halitosis, can
result from poor dental health habits and may be a sign of other health
problems. Bad breath can also be made worse by the types of foods you eat and
other unhealthy lifestyle habits.
Basically, all the food eaten begins to be
broken down in your mouth. As foods are digested and absorbed into the
bloodstream, they are eventually carried to your lungs and given off in your
breath. If you eat foods with strong odors (such as garlic or onions), brushing
and flossing -- even mouthwash -- merely covers up the odor temporarily. The
odor will not go away completely until the foods have passed through your body.
Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the
mouth may be a warning sign of gum (periodontal) disease. Gum disease is caused
by the buildup of plaque on teeth. Bacteria cause the formation of toxins to
form, which irritate the gums. If gum disease continues untreated, it can
damage the gums and jawbone.
Other dental causes of bad breath include
poorly fitting dental appliances, yeast infections of the mouth, and dental
caries (cavities).
The medical condition dry mouth (also called
xerostomia) also can cause bad breath. Saliva is necessary to moisten the
mouth, neutralize acids produced by plaque, and wash away dead cells that
accumulate on the tongue, gums, and cheeks. If not removed, these cells
decompose and can cause bad breath. Dry mouth may be a side effect of various medications,
salivary gland problems, or continuous breathing through the mouth.
Many other diseases and illnesses may cause
bad breath. Here are some to be aware of: respiratory tract infections such as pneumonia
or bronchitis, chronic sinus
infections, postnasal drip, diabetes, chronic acid
reflux, and liver or kidney problems.
