What causes bad breath, or halitosis?
Bad breath, also called halitosis, can be embarrassing and in some cases may even cause anxiety. It's no wonder that store shelves are overflowing with gum, mints, mouthwashes and other products designed to fight bad breath. But many of these products are only temporary measures because they don't address the cause of the problem.
Certain foods, health conditions and habits are among the causes of bad breath.
In many cases, you can improve bad breath with consistent proper dental hygiene.
Causes
Most bad breath starts in your mouth, and there are many possible causes. They include:
- Eating certain foods, such as onions, garlic, spices and etc.
- Tobacco products.
- Poor dental hygiene.
- Dry mouth.
- Medications.
- Infections in your mouth.
- Other mouth, nose and throat conditions.
An unpleasant odor in the mouth may be a symptom of some diseases.
Home remedies
It is recommended to consult a dentist, who will determine the cause of the unpleasant odor and prescribe a course of treatment.
To reduce or prevent bad breath:
- Brush your teeth after you eat.
- Brush your tongue.
- Avoid dry mouth. To keep your mouth moist, avoid tobacco and drink plenty of water. Chew gum or suck on candy (preferably sugarless) to stimulate saliva.
- Adjust your diet. Avoid foods such as onions and garlic that can cause bad breath. Eating a lot of sugary foods is also linked with bad breath.
- Change your toothbrush in about every three to four months.
- Schedule regular dental checkups. See your dentist on a regular basis — generally twice a year.
Source:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bad-breath/symptoms-causes/syc-20350922
