Every other person would want to be able to confidently talk to people without holding their  mouth closed because of bad breath. Whereas many may not realize they have bad breath, you could probably and discreetly ask someone you trust if your breath is OK.

Most bad breath can be treated, but what are the commonest known reasons for bad breath?

 

  • Dry mouth and saliva deficiency: This mainly results from salivary gland problems, as when the mouth is dry it can cause bad breath. Saliva keeps the mouth moist, which has the effect of cleansing the mouth.

 

  • Mouth infections: If you are experiencing gum diseases or any form of cavities, bad breath is likely to occur. However, even other illnesses and infections not directly associated with the mouth, like lung diseases, can be a reason for bad breath.
  • Stress: Stress has a key effect on your digestive system. When your digestive system is affected, you can experience bad breath.
  • Starvation: This occurs when you don’t eat for long, and your body automatically tends to seek energy from ketones. The chemical process the body undergoes to break them down is likely to cause bad breath.
  • Smoking is a major reason for bad breath, which could occur in three ways.
  1. It may cause gum diseases that that will lead to bad breath.
  2. Directly after you smoke, you produce smelly and unpleasant breath.
  3. It causes a dry mouth which results in bad breath.
  • Food debris: Pieces of food that are left in your mouth accumulate bacteria, which by default will make your breath smell bad.
  • The food we eat: This also plays a vital role in the determination of the state of our mouth’s breath. For example, eating garlic and onions can make your breath smell for a prolonged period of time.

While bad breath could be embarrassing, it is a topic that is rarely discussed, and the majority of people may not even be aware that they have bad mouth odors. It is believed to affect 35-45% of the global population.

If you are not sure about your breath, it is advisable to visit your dentist for a check-up and advice on how to manage it. If the dentist finds that tooth decay in the mouth is what is causing bad breath, then he will treat it, and you will be advised on how to keep your teeth and gums disease free.