Bad breath

Bad breath

Bad breath can be caused by two main factors, which are causes from within the mouth and causes from outside the mouth.

Causes from within the mouth

Causes from within the mouth include having mouth ulcers, having decayed teeth, gum inflammation, and groups of people who use oral tools such as braces and dentures. If oral hygiene is not maintained, bad breath can occur. Additionally, if saliva, which helps to clean out debris from the mouth, is not produced enough, it can cause debris to accumulate and result in bad breath. Furthermore, if debris is left to accumulate for too long, it can decay and produce bad breath.

Causes from out the mouth

Causes from outside the mouth are mainly related to lifestyle habits, such as smoking, regular alcohol consumption, and consuming certain types of strong-smelling foods like garlic and spices. Respiratory system diseases can also be a cause of bad breath, such as sinusitis, tonsillitis, bone cancer, acid reflux, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), tuberculosis, lung cancer, and poorly controlled diabetes.

Therefore, if one notices that they have bad breath or an unusual smell in their mouth for an extended period of time, it is recommended to see a doctor or dentist to identify the cause and find a solution. Approximately 90% of the time, the primary cause of bad breath is from within the mouth.

Treatment

To treat bad breath, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene and eliminate or treat any problems that may exist in the mouth such as tooth decay or gum inflammation. This includes drinking enough water and taking care of overall physical health, avoiding stress and getting enough rest.