Sometimes it has nothing to do with your mouth at all.
Bad breath, or halitosis as it is referred to scientifically, is something we’ve all experienced at least once, and it’s no secret that bad breath is one of the biggest confidence-deflaters known to man.
If you’re someone who has suffered with bad breath before, you probably know all too well that gums, mints, mouthwashes, and other products designed to fight bad breath are only a temporary solution to the problem. If you want to address the root of the problem, you’re going to have to look at the foods you consume, any health conditions you may have, and at any habits you may have.
In many cases, bad breath can be combated with routine brushing, flossing, and gargling (with mouthwash or warm salt water), all of which strengthen your oral hygiene and weaken the germs that cause bad breath. But if these simple measures of dental self-care don’t relieve your bad breath symptoms, it is wise to consult a dentist or physician to see if a more serious problem is causing your sour-smelling breath.
Common Causes of Bad Breath
- Food – If you’re someone who likes to eat onions, garlic, spices, and other foods that have been known to be associated with bad breath, it’s likely you’ve had your fair share of moments with bad breath. Once these foods are digested, they enter your bloodstream, after which point they go to your lungs and affect your breath.
- Tobacco – Smokers and users of oral tobacco products are familiar with the unpleasant odors these products give off; they are also more likely to get gum disease, an affliction known to cause bad breath.
- Inadequate Dental Hygiene – Failing to properly upkeep your oral hygiene will almost inevitably cause your breath to be bad. If you don’t brush and floss on a routine basis, the food particles remaining in your mouth will cause your breath to stink!