Almost everyone experiences bad breath once in a while, especially first thing in the morning. According to a study conducted by the US National Library of Medicine, bad breath, also known as halitosis originates from an oral or non-oral source. For some people, this is just a common problem that mouthwash or good brushing can solve. While for others, bad breath is a daily problem that is difficult to find a solution to.

What Causes Bad Breath?

In an article published by the Harvard Medical School, it has been stated that approximately 30% of the population complains of some sort of Halitosis. This oral condition is commonly caused by bacteria on the teeth and debris on the tongue. It often occurs early in the morning after you wake up, after intake of garlic and onions, high protein or low-carbohydrate diets, excessive coffee, and tobacco. 

Poor Oral Hygiene

Doctors recommend to brush and floss teeth at least three times a day to prevent bacterial growth between teeth. If a person does not observe good oral hygiene, food particles and debris will remain in their mouth and a sticky film of bacteria or plaque will easily form on their teeth that cause bad breath. 

Another major cause of bad breath is decreased saliva. This is because saliva plays a major role that helps cleanse the mouth, removing particles that cause bad odors. Decreased saliva or also known as dry mouth naturally occurs during sleep that leads to morning breath. In addition, severe dry mouth can be caused by a problem involving salivary glands and other diseases.

Dental Issues

Halitosis can also be caused by some dental issues. This could be because of oral problems such as cavities, gum disease or also known as periodontal disease, and tonsils with deep tunnels where food particles are usually trapped. In some cases, infections in the mouth also contribute to bad breath which can be caused by surgical wounds after oral surgery.

Cavities, in particular, are the result of the destruction of the tooth surface brought on by bacteria that exist inside the mouth causing you to have Halitosis. However, once the dentist discovered that the decayed tooth can be removed, the cleaning process will begin as the cavities will be treated and your breath can be fresher again.

Other Causes

Several studies have also exposed the link between bad breath and other health conditions. In research conducted by the University of Rochester Medical Center, bad breath may be a symptom of postnasal drip, digestive disorder, and respiratory infection.

The Academy of General Dentistry also notes that post nasal drip causes bad breath as it involves mucus secretions from the nose to throat. This occurs when a person suffers from blocked sinus and the thick mucus drips back into the throat, contributing to bad breath. 

Digestive issues such as constipation and bowel disorders, on the other hand, can cause unfortunate odor on your breath due to acid reflux. The Gastroesophageal Reflux disease is a condition that contributes to bad breath as it mixes the stomach acid with food and possible bacteria on its way back up the esophagus and out the mouth.

Prevention and Treatments

Treatments depend mainly on the cause of Halitosis. It is best to consult a dentist for the diagnosis and to know what is the best treatment for you. For minor conditions, this can be prevented by practicing good oral hygiene; brush your teeth after every meal to avoid bacteria build up in your teeth. Doctors also recommend replacing your toothbrush every month or after an illness.

To make sure that your oral health is always in a good state, it is recommended to visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral examination.