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Simple Answers - What Causes Halitosis (Bad Breath)?

Everyone has had bad breath at least once in their life. It happens. Maybe you ate something, or you forgot to brush your teeth. However, there are people that have chronic bad breath, or halitosis. And sometimes they don’t even know their breath stinks! Friends and family don’t like to bring it up because a persons breath can actually be a very personal topic. So, what really does cause bad breath? Can it be avoided? Knowing a few simple facts can prevent a lot of embarrassment later.

Things That Can Cause Bad Breath

Onions and garlic are the most common odor causing examples of foods with such potent smells that they often remain on one’s breath for a long time. Brushing teeth and using mouth fresheners may offer no more than short-lived relief, because traces find their way in to the exhaled breath from blood, after the ingredients have been digested. However, these kinds of aromatic foods have become so notorious that many people now avoid them as much as possible.

Smelly foods can not only flow through the blood, but if left in the mouth after eating, they can cause odor causing bacteria to grow. If the food particles that can be left on the teeth after meals is not brushed clean, the food rots causing bad breath.

Bad breath may also be persistent (chronic bad breath), which is a more serious condition. This can affect some 25% of the population in varying degrees. This condition is usually caused by the one’s metabolic activity, or how your body breaks down certain types of oral bacteria. Checking with your doctor is the best way to find a solution to this condition.

Oral bacteria can be caused by various gum diseases which should be diagnosed by a professional.

Small Solutions to Stop Bad Breath.

Halitosis can be a very serious condition and it is strongly suggested that if you continue to have bad breath, that you check with a doctor and/or a dentist. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings can catch problems early, and doctors can test the blood for underlying reasons inside the body. However, there are several things that can be done while waiting for the doctors appointment to come! Simple yet effective steps.

Staying away from tobacco, foods with strong odors, and keeping your mouth and body healthy will probably suffice in your battle against bad breath. Although we often think of kids needing reminders, adults need them too. So…remember to brush and floss daily!

Filed under: Health & Fitness