What Causes Bad Breath?

Simple Answers - What Causes Halitosis (Bad Breath)?

"Oh My! I need to brush my teeth. My breath stinks!" How embarrassing! Everyone has had bad breath at least once in their life. However, some people don't realize that their breath stinks. Unfortunately, people within close contact usually don't like to mention to someone about their bad breath. It's an embarrassing issue! So knowing about a few simple things that can cause bad breath, or even the chronic "Halitosis", you'll be much better prepared to keep way from having such an embarrassing episode or confrontation of bad breath.

Things That Can Cause Bad Breath

Foods can be common odor causing agents. Garlic and onions and at the top of the food list. The potent odors not only stay on one's breath for hours, but the odors even flow through the blood after being digested, thus making it harder to get rid of - even if breath freshener or brushing is done. However, most people know that eating garlic and onions are not a good way of keeping friends close, so most often they can be avoided when heading into a social setting.

Not only can bad smelling foods circulate through the blood, food can also get stuck on or in between teeth after meals. If a person doesn't brush their teeth soon after eating, the food can rot causing bacteria to grow inside the mouth which can cause bad breath.

About 25% of the population have a problem with "Chronic Bad Breath". This can actually be a serious issue that is caused by how the body breaks down certain types of bacteria in the mouth. Talking to a doctor about this condition is the best way to find a reasonable solution.

Gum and mouth diseases can also cause terrible bad breath. A dentist would be able to find the best solution to those issues.

Small Solutions to Stop Bad Breath.

Since there is no single reason for halitosis, it is best to consult a doctor to uncover the primary reason in each separate case. A regular dental check-up should uncover whether any aspect of oral health is responsible for lingering foul odors, while blood tests can establish systemic answers to the vexed question of what causes bad breath. Halitosis could be a result of a potentially serious condition, so medical evaluation of the problem is always a good idea. However, you need not wait until you get a dental or a doctor's appointment, to take action on learning that there is a bad smell in your mouth, for there are effective steps that you can safely take on your own.

Staying away from tobacco, foods with strong odors, and keeping your mouth and body healthy will probably suffice in your battle against bad breath. Although we often think of kids needing reminders, adults need them too. So…remember to brush and floss daily!