Do You Have Problems with Bad Breath?

There are thousands of people that have problems with bad breath, which is known as halitosis in the medical world. There are certain types of medical conditions that can cause bad breath, and it can also occur when a person does not have good dental hygiene habits. A person’s lifestyle and specific types of foods that are eaten can also cause this type of problem to become worse.

Medical Conditions and Other Problems that Can Cause Bad Breath

There is actually a wide range of different medical conditions that can cause a person to have bad breath. Some of the most common would include the following:

• Bronchitis
• Acid reflux that is chronic
• Pneumonia and other infections of the respiratory tract
• Problems with the liver
• Sinus infections that are chronic
• Diabetes
• Problems with the kidneys
• Postnasal drip

There are also dental problems that can be the culprit for causing bad breath. In a lot of cases when a person notices their breath has a foul odor, it is often a signal that they have periodontal or gum disease. Plaque that builds up on a person’s teeth will typically cause gum disease and persistent problems with bad breath. This is caused from toxin causing bacteria that will form in a person’s mouth when they do not follow good dental hygiene practices. The gums will also become sensitive and irritated as well. When problems like this are not adequately treated it can eventually cause the jawbone and gums to suffer permanent damage. Dental caries, dental appliances that do not fit properly, and yeast infections of the mouth are a few of the other dental problems that can result in bad breath. Xerostomia or dry mouth is another medical condition that can cause bad breath. This is a condition that is frequently caused from a person that constantly breathes through their mouth, problems with the salivary glands, and from certain types of medications.

Poor Lifestyle and Dental Habits that Cause Bad Breath

Bacterial growth can actually start growing around the gum line, in between the teeth, and on the tongue if flossing and brushing is not a regular part of a person’s dental hygiene. Not only do poor habits like this lead to dental problems, but it also causes bad breath. Improper cleaning of dentures and partials can also lead to odor caused from the growth of bacteria. Other bad habits that can cause the breath to smell bad include cigarette smoking and the use of chews that are tobacco-based.

Effects on the Breath that Certain Food Items Can Have

Regardless of the type of food you eat, it goes through the process of being broken down, which starts in the mouth. It is then digested and some of it is also absorbed in the blood, eventually making its way into the person’s lungs. This is the very reason that a person’s breath often smells like the foods they have eaten. Foods like onions and garlic can cause bad breath, as they tend to have a very strong odor. Odors that are caused by these foods also remain on a person’s breath until they have completely made their way through the body.