The Common Causes of Bad Breath
Contrary to what we were oriented to when we were younger, bad breath has various causes that could be truly disturbing. We are not making big issues here regarding the ‘supposed’ integral components of growing up. The common causes of bad breath can stem from a multitude of factors, making it more complex than commonly perceived.
We all have shed our first teeth and each went their way in distinct processes. Some were removed professionally; others were let to decay on their own. The latter normally caused us more trouble than if we chose, in the first place, to pay a visit to our dentist and have our precious teeth checked.
One of the many troubles that most of us have encountered particularly during our childhood is bad breath. It’s a sad thing though that still, many adults are in the process of purgation towards their way for heavenly-smelling breath.
It’s worth repeating that the major cause of bad breath is the decay of teeth or unfortunately, the host of them. These play as good breeding grounds along with the spaces between them, for the anaerobic bacteria that produce VSCs.
VSCs are volatile sulfur compounds that are agents in creating tinges of foul odor in our mouth. If left unrestrained, the growth would turn into a massive, colossal wall between having healthy breath from that which is foul smelling.
Apart from some medical conditions that do not directly affect the mouth such as diabetes and liver problems, the main reason for bad breath usually is the widespread growth of such bacteria.
Another main reason (or probably a cause too) is the accumulation of yellow or whitish film on the surface of the tongue. This is caused by the mouth debris that sticks into an unclean or unbrushed tongue.
This accumulation normally builds up in the posterior region of the tongue. Elimination of this film though would not warrant the removal of bad breath but would help relieve some of the symptoms.
Drying of the mouth is also pointed out regularly as the main reason for bad breath. Anaerobic bacteria, by their nature, can have optimized survival when they are in environments with lesser oxygen levels. Thus, when the mouth dries due to mouth breathing and several medical conditions that bring about the same effects, they are likely to multiply and spread more. This would likely end up with a higher release of volatile sulfur compounds that, as we have already mentioned, are agents for releasing foul odor through the process of disintegrating chemical compounds and mouth debris.
Additionally, once the mouth area is deprived of the necessary circulation of oxygen, the pH level is likely to be altered, thus creating an effect of producing an environment that is conducive to the increase of anaerobic bacteria.
Even with hosts of products that offer effective means for combating xerostomia or mouth drying, there are still too few that live up to their claims. Too few are effective enough to prevent a patient from eliminating the dryness of the mouth.
There are other reasons for bad breath aside from what we have already stated above. Some include those with non-oral origins and others are related to psychological disorders.
Halitophobia, an interesting condition, is marked by the presence of compulsive ideas that constantly plague the thoughts of a person, for whether he truly has bad breath or not. This imagined condition is graver than normal bad breath since patients with this disorder are likely to contemplate suicide. At its onset though, halitophobics would try to isolate themselves from the public for fear of ridicule due to bad breath.
The Common Causes of Bad Breath
The causes of bad breath or halitosis range from improper oral practice to severe medical conditions. Details are discussed below.
Improper/poor oral hygiene and dental problems – Dental problems are the result of improper or poor oral hygiene. When a person does not brush his teeth and tongue as often as he should, floss at least once a day, and use an oral antiseptic, food particles that remain in the mouth and in between teeth will emit hydrogen sulfur vapors and bacteria. Hydrogen sulfur vapors produce a rotten egg-like odor which causes bad breath. Bacteria (plaque) also form on the teeth and cause tooth decay and gingivitis. The unclean dentures will harbor unwanted food particles and bacteria that cause odor.
The food we eat – Certain types of food cause bad breath. Some of the most popular are garlic, onion, and cabbage. Several other types of spices and certain vegetables also can cause bad breath. It happens when these types of food are digested and the oil they contain enters the body’s bloodstream. It goes throughout the body including the lungs. When the person exhales, the pungent oil is released to the mouth which is the reason for bad breath. The odor expires when the oil is completely emitted out of the body.
Dry mouth – “Morning breath” is natural to many. This is because, during sleep, the salivary glands stop producing saliva which makes the mouth “dry”. (Saliva moistens and cleanses the mouth.) A dry mouth invites bacteria to breed on the dead cells around the mouth, particularly on the areas of the cheeks, gums, and tongue; this produces that familiar bad breath in the morning. Morning breath is even worse for people who sleep with their mouths open since the air can dry up the mouth easily.
Medications – these can cause problems to salivary glands which can lead to chronic dry mouth.
Tobacco products – Aside from the effect on salivary glands, smoking tobacco products itself can cause bad breath. And since tobacco can cause periodontal disease, bad breath is more likely for smokers than non-smokers.
Disease – GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease and hiatal hernia can cause bad breath. Diabetes can produce bad odor. Several other illnesses can cause bad breath. These include liver failure which can cause a distinctive fishy odor, kidney failure which can give off a urine-like odor, and chronic lung infection which also produces a bad-smelling breath.
Throat, nasal, and mouth conditions – these can also cause bad breath. Canker sores, upper respiratory infections, bronchitis, mononucleosis, tonsillitis, strep throat, nasal discharge, and sinus infection are all associated with bad breath.
Skipping meals and severe dieting or fasting – Since chewing stimulates the production of saliva, eating helps the mouth to be cleansed normally. When a person skips meals, the salivary glands cease to work, thus, increasing bacteria which causes bad breath. When a person is dieting, he produces a chemical known as keto acids. A high concentration of keto acids is called ketoacidosis. This has a distinctive fruity odor which is also considered as bad odor.
Knowing these causes will lead to the prevention of bad breath. Take note that most of these causes can be prevented by practicing good oral hygiene and a healthy lifestyle. Bad breath is a condition that is common to millions of Americans but it does not have to be present to you as well.
