What Are the Causes of Bad Breath?

POSTED BY VARNI DENTAL ON MAY 19 2022, 11:15 PM

Anyone can develop bad breath, but some people are more at risk than others. In fact, 86% of people with dentures suffer from halitosis. If you have bad breath, you might benefit from meeting with your dentist in San Jose, CA about treatment recommendations.

Here are some of the most common causes of bad breath:

Gum Disease

Gum disease is the most common cause of halitosis. Gum disease develops when plaque and tartar build up on the teeth and gums. The bacteria in the plaque cause an infection that irritates the gums and causes them to pull away from the teeth. This leaves a pocket between the teeth and the gums, which is perfect for hiding bacteria and food debris. As time goes on, the plaque and tartar continue to build up in the pockets, causing even more irritation and inflammation. This also causes the gums to bleed more, and this blood can mix with the bacteria and food debris in the pockets, causing bad breath.

Foods That Offend

We all have foods we love, but some of them can leave an offensive odor behind. These foods can linger in your mouth and on the tongue, causing bad breath. Brushing and flossing after meals and regularly throughout the day are great ways to prevent bad breath. Call us to learn more.

Oral Health Habits

Bad breath can be caused by poor oral hygiene habits:

• Not brushing daily
• You may not brush your teeth as often as you should. Food particles and bacteria may build up between your teeth and along your gum line. When you don’t brush thoroughly, these particles can start to decay. Once cavities have formed, the decay can lead to bad breath.
• Not flossing daily

Brushing alone may not be enough to prevent bad breath. If you don’t floss, food particles and bacteria can still build up between your teeth and along your gum line. These particles can also decay and lead to bad breath.

Medical Conditions

• Conditions such as diabetes, sinus infections, bronchitis, and pneumonia can cause halitosis.
• Diabetes, which is associated with high blood glucose levels, can cause dry mouth. This can be a side effect of diabetic medications. A dry mouth can lead to bad breath, even when blood glucose levels are well-controlled.
• Dental infections can also cause bad breath. A sinus infection or gum disease can cause foul-smelling nasal discharge.
• Bad breath can also be a sign of certain autoimmune diseases.

Tobacco Products

Tobacco products contain ingredients that cause bad breath. The smell of smoke itself can cause bad breath, but tobacco products also contain ingredients such as sugar, which feed bacteria that can cause bad breath.

Nicotine is also found in tobacco products and can cause dry mouth. A dry mouth is an unpleasant condition that can cause bad breath.