What Causes Bad Breath? How do you prevent bad breath?

Bad breath is an annoying condition that many people have to deal with. It can affect social relationships as well as negatively affect personal self-esteem. In this article, we’ll explore the causes of bad breath and how to control it. You can relieve and prevent bad breath with good oral hygiene, a healthy diet and regular dental checkups. Let’s take steps now to discover the root causes of bad breath and effective solutions.

What Causes Bad Breath?

Bad breath is an embarrassing and irritating problem for many people. It can negatively affect communication between people and make social relationships more difficult. However, bad breath can usually be controlled with simple measures. The main causes of bad breath are:

Bacterial plaque and dental problems

One of the most common causes of bad breath is bacterial plaque that builds up in the mouth. Dental plaque is formed by the combination of food particles and bacteria. It accumulates on the surfaces of the teeth, around the gum line and on the back of the tongue. Plaque allows bacteria to cause cavities and gum disease and can cause bad breath.

Oral hygiene

Not practicing good oral hygiene is also one of the causes of bad breath. The amount of bacteria in the mouth should be reduced by brushing the teeth and tongue regularly, using dental floss and mouthwash. Regular dental checkups and professional dental cleanings are also important.

Feeding habits

Some foods and drinks can cause bad breath. Bad breath can occur due to the breakdown of sulfur-containing foods such as garlic and onions by the digestive system. Coffee, alcohol, and spicy foods can also make bad breath worse.

Dry mouth

Saliva is a naturally occurring defense mechanism in the mouth. With a dry mouth, saliva secretion decreases and bad breath can develop. Factors that cause dry mouth include certain medications, medical conditions, and breathing problems.

Systemic diseases

In rare cases, bad breath can be a symptom of a systemic health problem. Some systemic diseases such as diabetes, kidney disease and liver problems can cause bad breath.

How do you prevent bad breath?

Bad breath can be a nuisance and affect social relationships. Fortunately, there are many methods available to treat bad breath. Here are some methods you can use to treat bad breath:

Pay attention to oral hygiene

A regular and effective oral hygiene routine is important to control bad breath. Brush your teeth at least twice a day and clean between your teeth with dental floss. You can use a tongue cleaner to clean the tongue. Also visit your dentist for regular checkups and professional cleanings.

Give importance to language purity

Bacteria that build up on the tongue can cause bad breath. You can remove these bacteria by gently cleaning your tongue every day. Tongue cleaning aids are an effective method of cleaning the tongue surface.

Relieves dry mouth

A dry mouth can be a cause of bad breath. Saliva cleans the bacteria in the mouth and provides moisture in the mouth. Be sure to drink plenty of water to avoid dry mouth. Also avoid sugary drinks and caffeinated drinks as they can cause dry mouth. If necessary, you can use temporary products or chewing gum instead of saliva to increase salivation.

Treat gum and tooth problems

Gum disease, tooth decay and other oral health problems can cause bad breath. That’s why it’s important to see a dentist if you have gum problems or cavities. Untreated gum and dental problems can perpetuate bad breath.

Pay attention to your diet

Certain foods and drinks can cause bad breath. Substances such as garlic, onions, spicy foods, coffee, and alcohol can cause odors. It is important to pay attention to oral hygiene while consuming such foods and drinks and brushing your teeth.

Contact your doctor

If the bad breath persists and the cause is not related to oral hygiene, there may be an underlying health problem. In this case, it is important to consult a doctor. Your doctor will evaluate possible health problems that may be causing bad breath and recommend appropriate treatment.

Types of bad breath

Bad breath can come in different types, which can be caused by different factors. The different types of bad breath to be aware of include:

Morning fragrance

Bad breath can occur when you wake up in the morning or after a long period of fasting. During sleep, salivary secretion decreases and the mouth becomes dry. As a result, the chance of bacterial growth and bad breath is greater. Morning odor usually disappears with breakfast and brushing your teeth.

The smell of food

Bad breath can occur as a result of consuming certain foods. A characteristic odor can occur when sulfur-containing foods such as garlic, onions, and spicy foods are broken down by the digestive system. This smell usually goes away on its own after the food is digested.

Dental problems Odors

Bad breath can occur with dental caries, gum disease and insufficient oral hygiene. Bacterial plaque and food debris build up between the teeth and cause a bad smell. Bad breath can persist unless dental problems are corrected.

Dry mouth odors

Decreased salivation or a dry mouth can cause bad breath. Saliva also has a moisturizing effect in cleaning bacteria and food residues in the mouth. In the case of dry mouth, if the amount of saliva decreases, bacteria can multiply and bad breath can develop.

Odors emanating from systemic illness

In rare cases, bad breath can be a symptom of serious systemic conditions. For example, some diseases such as diabetes, kidney disease and liver problems can cause bad breath. In these cases, bad breath often co-occurs with other symptoms.

What causes physiological bad breath?

Bad breath can sometimes be caused by physiological factors. The body’s natural workings and metabolic processes can lead to bad breath in some cases. Here are some factors that cause physiological bad breath:

Hungry

With prolonged fasting, the body burns fat to produce energy. This process produces substances called ketones. Ketones can accumulate in the mouth and airways, creating a characteristic odor. It smells like acetone and usually disappears after the hunger passes.

Hormonal changes

Changes in hormone levels can affect bad breath. Especially during puberty, during the menstrual cycle and during pregnancy, bad breath can differ due to hormonal changes.

Oral mucus and saliva structure

The structure of the mucous membranes in the mouth and the composition of the saliva can influence bad breath. Some people naturally have a thicker or drier oral mucosa. This can lead to bacterial buildup and bad breath. In addition, the amount and quality of saliva secretion can also have an effect on bad breath.

Sinus and breathing problems

Sinus infections, chronic nasal congestion, or other breathing problems can cause bad breath. In this case, the communication between the nose and mouth is disrupted and bad breath can increase due to bad smells emanating from the sinuses.

metabolic diseases

In rare cases, certain metabolic diseases can lead to bad breath. For example, conditions such as liver disease or kidney failure can cause metabolic imbalances in the body and cause bad breath.

What is pathological bad breath?

Bad breath can sometimes be pathological or disease-induced. In this case, bad breath can often be persistent and severe. Pathological halitosis can be a symptom of several health conditions and should be considered a sign of an underlying disease. Here are some factors that cause pathological bad breath:

Periodontal (gum) diseases

Conditions such as gum disease, gingivitis, and receding gums can cause bad breath. Bacterial plaque buildup causes inflammation of the gums and causes a foul odor. When periodontal disease is not treated, bad breath can persist.

bruising

Tooth decay is caused by bacteria destroying tooth tissue. Bacterial buildup in caries and decay of tissues can cause a foul odor. Untreated cavities can make bad breath worse.

Oral infections

Infections in the mouth can cause bad breath. For example, mouth sores, tooth abscesses, or gum disease can cause bad breath. Such infections usually require treatment.

Problems with the digestive system

Some digestive system conditions can cause bad breath. In particular, conditions such as reflux disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and chronic constipation can cause bad breath. Acid reflux caused by stomach contents or problems with the digestive system can leave a burning smell in the mouth.

How do we prevent bad breath?

We are not allowed to use alcohol and cigarettes. Avoid foods that give off odors, such as garlic and onions. They should consume a lot of fruits and vegetables and drink water. Infections in the mouth must be eliminated. Great importance should be attached to oral hygiene. Oral care should be done regularly. We can use parsley oil capsules.

What Causes Too Much Bad Breath?

Food debris gets stuck between the teeth of people who don’t use dental floss, mouthwash and brush. This causes bacterial growth on the tongue and gums. It causes bad breath.

What should I do to get rid of bad breath?

To eliminate bad breath, it is necessary to pay attention to dental and oral hygiene. After meals, teeth and tongue should be brushed, dental floss should be used and plenty of water to drink. If the bad breath persists after making such changes, a doctor should be consulted.

What Causes Bad Breath?

Alcohol, cigarette consumption, unhygienic teeth and mouth cause bad breath. Bronchitis, tonsillitis, diabetes, sinusitis, liver inflammation, pneumonia, lactose intolerance can cause bad breath.

Why does someone’s breath smell?

A person’s breath is caused by ailments such as dental caries, tobacco products, hunger, bacterial infections in the mouth, improper brushing of the teeth, food debris, stomach disorders, tonsil disorders.

Does everyone stink?

The percentage of people with bad breath in the world is around 27%. People who think their mouth stinks think everyone stinks. Actually, this idea is not correct. Judging by the data, most people don’t have bad breath.