Causes of Bad Breath:

There are a number of reasons you might have Bad breath(Referred as Halitosis). While many causes are harmless, bad breath can sometimes be a sign of something more serious.

• Bacteria: Bad breath can happen anytime because of hundreds of types of bad breath-causing bacteria that naturally lives in your mouth. When you eat, bacteria feed on the food left in your mouth and leaves a foul-smelling waste product behind.

• Dry Mouth: Your mouth might not be making enough saliva. Saliva is important because it works around the clock to wash out your mouth. If you don’t have enough, your mouth isn’t being cleaned as much as it should be. Dry Mouth can be caused by certain medications, salivary gland problems or by simply breathing through your mouth.

• Gum Disease: Bad breath that just won’t go away or a constant bad taste in your mouth can be a warning sign of gum disease

• Food: Garlic, onions, coffee… The list of breath-offending foods is long, and what you eat affects the air you exhale.

• Smoking and Tobacco : gives you bad breath and puts you at risk for a host of health problems.

• Cavities: Can be source of food and bacteria harboring in it causing bad breath.

• Medical Conditions: Mouth infections can cause bad breath.

However, if your dentist has ruled out other causes and you brush and floss every day, your bad breath could be the result of another problem, such as a sinus condition, gastric reflux, diabees, liver or kidney disease. In this case, see your healthcare provider.

If you’re concerned about what’s causing your bad breath, make an appointment with us. Regular checkups allow your dentist to detect any problems such as gum disease or dry mouth and stop them before they become more serious. If your dentist determines your mouth is healthy, you may be referred to your primary care doctor.