What Are the Causes of Bad Breath?

Good oral hygiene is important for preventing bad breath. Your breath can be affected by many factors, such as the types of food you eat and your oral hygiene habits.

Bacteria in your mouth are what actually cause bad breath. When food particles are not eliminated through regular brushing, flossing, and rinsing, they cause bacteria to multiply, which then leads to bad breath.

Common factors that result in bad breath are:

Poor Oral Hygiene

If bad breath is caused by poor oral hygiene, then the solution could be as simple as practicing better oral hygiene. By brushing twice a day and flossing once a day, you can improve your breath. Healthy gums, teeth, and tongue contribute to fresher breath.

Foods and Drink

Bad breath is caused by the breakdown of bacteria in your mouth. Bacteria multiply quickly, and if you don’t clean your mouth regularly, bacteria can accumulate and lead to bad breath.

Foods and beverages that have a lot of odor-causing compounds can linger in your mouth, causing bad breath. Coffee and tea contain compounds called tannins, which can leave a strong smell. Red meat contains heme, which is broken down in your blood to form compounds called indoles, which can contribute to bad breath.

Gum Disease

Gum disease is the primary cause of halitosis (bad breath). When gum tissue becomes swollen, it can trap food debris, bacteria, and dead cells. This accumulation can lead to an unpleasant odor.

If gum disease goes untreated, the gums can pull away and expose more of the underlying tooth. This makes it easy for debris and bacteria to build up, which causes bad odors.

Dry Mouth

A dry mouth, or xerostomia, is a condition where the glands in the mouth do not produce enough saliva. A dry mouth can be caused by dehydration, certain medications, or certain diseases.

A side effect of dry mouth is bad breath. Saliva helps wash away food particles and bacteria in the mouth, but when the glands are not working properly, the saliva tends to evaporate too quickly. This leaves the mouth dry, which causes bad breath.

Smoking

Smoking is the most common cause of bad breath. About 90% of people with bad breath are smokers. Smoking damages the gums and makes them sensitive. It also discolors the teeth. It decreases saliva production, which leads to dry mouth. It mouth allows bacteria to thrive, causing bad breath.

Please schedule an appointment online or call the Dentist in Sacramento, CA, at (916) 481-2001 to have a consultation with Dr. Talluri. We also serve areas including Sacramento 94203, Carmichael 95608, Arden-Arcade 95825, North Highlands 95660, and Citrus Heights 95621.