Bad Breath: Causes & Prevention

Bad breath (halitosis) is an unpleasant odor coming from the mouth. It’s typically caused by odor-producing bacteria. These bacteria occur naturally in the mouth, but they do multiply when we eat smelly foods.

Here are the common factors that cause bad breath:

Poor Oral Hygiene

Bad breath can be caused by a variety of factors, but one of the most common is poor oral hygiene. If you don’t brush and floss regularly, food particles can remain in your mouth, causing bacteria growth and bad breath.

If you aren’t brushing properly, you may also be missing large portions of your mouth. This exposes more of the surfaces of your teeth to bacteria, which can also lead to bad breath.

Gum Disease

Gum disease is a common cause of chronic bad breath, particularly if the gums have begun to pull away from the teeth. Bacteria can easily collect beneath the gum line, leading to an overgrowth of infection-causing bacteria that contributes to bad breath.

Diet

A poor diet can lead to bad breath. Food particles can get stuck in the teeth, providing fuel for the bacteria that cause halitosis. While a nightly brushing routine helps remove food, bacteria in the tongue and throat can continue to breed bacteria, causing bad breath.

Oral Infections

Plaque buildup on the teeth can lead to oral infections and bad breath. Food particles on the teeth provide fuel for the bacteria, and this can lead to bad breath.

Oral infections also cause bad breath. Bacteria cause an infection in the mouth, which can damage the gums, teeth, and oral tissues. The damaged tissues release chemicals that trigger bad breath.

Smoking

Smoking is one of the leading causes of halitosis. When you smoke, it causes a dry mouth. The chemicals in cigarettes also damage the cells inside your mouth. This damage causes foul odors to linger in your mouth.

Additionally, smoking can also stain your teeth, leading to yellowing or browning. The stains can make your breath smell worse.

How Can You Prevent Bad Breath?

The best way to prevent bad breath is to brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day. Brushing removes food particles and plaque, as well as bacteria that cause bad breath. Flossing helps to remove food particles and bacteria from places where your toothbrush can’t reach.

Visit Healthy Smiles of Birmingham at 100 Heatherbrooke Park Dr Suite A, Birmingham, AL 35242 for a wonderful dental experience. Contact us at (205) 991-9535 or schedule an appointment online.