Why Do I Have Bad Breath?

This is a question that is commonly asked by those who have experienced halitosis or bad breath at some point in their life. The good news is that while there are many reasons for bad breath, there are also a wide variety of solutions that do fix the problem. One of the first steps in correcting it is understanding what is actually causing bad breath in the first place. For example, a variety of diseases including everything from diabetes to liver related issues can result in an individual having strong odor emanating from their mouth. Even the type of food that is eaten can have a strong impact on the breath, as we all know.

Tobacco Products are Another Concern

Everyone agrees that eating onions, garlic as well as spices can easily result in bad breath. Even after food is digested it still enters the bloodstream and can cause odors to emanate from the lungs. Tobacco products are another concern when it comes to halitosis. Smoking and even chewing tobacco can result in unpleasant odor coming from the mouth. As a side note, smokers are typically more inclined to have a variety of dental health related problems like gum disease and persistent bad breath. Equally of concern is poor dental hygiene. Those who do not brush as well as floss regularly are more likely to have bad breath.

Chemical Related Odor That is Carried on to the Mouth

Saliva plays an important role in keeping the oral cavity healthy. When there is a lack of saliva it results in dry mouth. Those with consistent dry mouth problems routinely must deal with strong mouth odors. Equally of concern are certain medications that can produce bad breath. Some chemicals even break down in the body and create chemical related odor that is carried on to the mouth to cause undesirable breath. Infections in the mouth also cause the same issue while health related problems in the nose and throat can be equally concerning. Cancer as well as reflux disease also cause some problems. Talk with your dentist in Walnut Creek, Dr. Darvishzadeh at Walnut Creek Dental, to learn more about why you may have bad breath and what you can do to fix the problem.

References:
[1] Diet and its Effects On Oral Health
[2] Importance of Flossing in Dental Hygiene