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Bad breath is caused by a buildup of bacteria in the mouth. When food particles are not effectively brushed or rinsed away, plaque and bacteria can build up in the mouth.

Bacteria in the mouth are broken down by the natural production of saliva. Saliva carries away bacteria and food particles from the mouth. When saliva production slows, bacteria can build up and contribute to unpleasant odors.

The most common cause of bad breath is as follows:

Poor Dental Hygiene

When brushing and flossing are neglected, bacteria can build up in your mouth and on your teeth. These bacteria produce stinky sulfur compounds, leading to bad breath.

If your teeth aren’t cleaned regularly, plaque can build up. Plaque contains millions of bacteria, and it coats your teeth and your gums. The bacteria release gases, like hydrogen sulfide and methyl mercaptan, which are responsible for stinky breath.

Poor Diet

A diet low in vitamins and minerals can contribute to halitosis. A diet high in carbohydrates and sugar can lead to cavities. These carbs can feed the bacteria that cause tooth decay.

Tobacco Products

Tobacco products cause bad breath because of leftover residue left on the teeth. This residue mixes with saliva and causes a sour, unpleasant smell. If you have bad breath and you use tobacco products, it’s a good idea to quit. You might also want to use a tongue scraper or toothbrush after you smoke or chew tobacco to help remove the leftover residue from your tongue and gums.

Chronic Illnesses

Certain chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, can cause chronic bad breath. This occurs because the body’s response to the illness leads to a dry mouth. Saliva helps wash away debris and bacteria in the mouth, so a dry mouth allows bacteria to thrive and cause bad breath.

Medications

Certain medications can cause bad breath. For example, drugs for high blood pressure, anxiety, or depression can cause dry mouth. Additionally, antibiotics can cause bad breath. Some patients experience a metallic taste in their mouth when taking these medications.

Dry Mouth

A dry mouth is a condition caused by a lack of saliva. Saliva is the mouth’s first line of defense against disease-causing bacteria, so without it, your oral health is at risk. Without saliva, food particles and bacteria linger in the mouth, creating the perfect environment for bacterial growth. Over time, the bacteria will cause bad breath and tooth decay.

Gum Disease

Bad breath can be a sign of gum disease, especially if your breath smells bad and your gums are red and swollen. Gum disease is often caused by a buildup of plaque and tartar on your teeth. The bacteria that grow in plaque produce odorous gases.

To find out more about the dental services offered at Solace Dental, call (630) 759-3595 or schedule an online consultation. You can also visit us at 287 N Weber Rd, Bolingbrook, IL, 60490.