Bad breath, affecting approximately 25 percent of the population, can stem from various causes, with poor oral hygiene being the most common culprit.
Also referred to as halitosis or fetor oris, this condition can lead to considerable concern, embarrassment, and anxiety. Fortunately, it is relatively easy to address and remedy.
Bad breath is a widespread issue that can lead to considerable psychological distress. Various factors can contribute to this condition, but there are also numerous treatments available.
It’s estimated that 1 in 4 individuals experience bad breath regularly, making it a common concern for many.
In fact, halitosis is the third most frequent reason people seek dental care, following tooth decay and gum disease.
Causes of Bad Breath
Several factors can contribute to bad breath, including:
Tobacco Use
Tobacco products not only create their own odors but also increase the likelihood of gum disease, which can lead to bad breath.
Food
Food particles trapped in teeth can produce odors. Certain foods, like onions and garlic, can also cause bad breath.
Once digested, their breakdown products enter the bloodstream and can affect breath when exhaled.
Dry Mouth
Saliva naturally cleanses the mouth. Conditions that result in dry mouth, such as xerostomia, can lead to odor buildup.
Dental Hygiene
Regular brushing and flossing help remove food particles that can decay and produce smells.
Neglecting oral hygiene allows plaque—a film of bacteria—to form, which can irritate the gums and lead to periodontitis. Dentures that aren’t cleaned properly can also harbor odor-causing bacteria.
Crash Diets
Fasting or low-carb diets can result in bad breath due to the breakdown of fats, which produces aromatic chemicals known as ketones.
Medications
Some medications reduce saliva production, increasing odors. Others release chemicals that cause bad breath as they are metabolized.
Examples include nitrates for angina, certain chemotherapy drugs, and tranquilizers like phenothiazines. High doses of vitamin supplements can also contribute to halitosis.
Mouth, Nose, and Throat Conditions
Bacteria-covered stones may form on the tonsils, producing odors. Infections or inflammation in the nose, throat, or sinuses can also lead to bad breath.
Foreign Body
In children, a foreign object lodged in the nasal cavity can cause bad breath.
Diseases
Some cancers, liver failure, and metabolic disorders can lead to halitosis due to unique chemical compositions.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may also cause bad breath from the regurgitation of stomach acids.
Rarer Causes of Bad Breath
While poor oral hygiene is the most common cause of bad breath, there are other less common factors:
Ketoacidosis
In individuals with diabetes, extremely low insulin levels can force the body to utilize fat stores instead of sugar, resulting in the production of toxic ketones that emit a distinct and unpleasant odor.
Bowel Obstruction
Prolonged vomiting, particularly with a bowel obstruction, can cause breath to smell fecal.
Bronchiectasis
This chronic condition causes abnormal widening of the airways, leading to mucus buildup and bad breath.
Aspiration Pneumonia
This condition arises from swelling or infection in the lungs or airways due to inhaling vomit, saliva, food, or liquids.
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