Why is bad breath caused?

Each and everyone of us are self aware about our bad breath. We all try our best to prevent bad breath from occuring. So let us learn in detail what might be the possible causes of bad breath

Intraoral causes:

*Poor oral hygiene: 

Deposits in the oral cavity not cleaned mediculously can be one of the common intraoral causes of bad breath

*Tongue coatings:

Though some people might have oral hygiene be maintained properly, coatings on tongue are also one of the intra-oral causes of halitosis.

Tongue coatings causing halitosis

*Types of food items:

Intake of certain kind of food items like garlic,onions etc can cause a bad breath affecting it for upto 72hours

*Dry Mouth:

A reduced salivary outflow can cause dry mouth. This can be due to certain types of medications, or certain syndromes like sjogren's syndrome.

This can cause halitosis too.

Extra oral causes:

Gastrointestinal problems:

Acidity, GERD are some of the systemic conditions causing bad breath.

Respiratory problems:

Sinus infections, tonsillitis, or other respiratory problems can also lead to bad breath. 

How can we treat?

Good Oral Hygiene:Regular brushing and flossing, as well as using a tongue scraper, can help remove bacteria and food debris that contribute to bad breath. 

Maintaining a proper oral hygiene.

Hydration:Drinking plenty of water helps maintain saliva flow, which helps keep the mouth clean and reduce odor. 

Dietary Changes:Limiting or avoiding strong-smelling foods can help reduce the odor of your breath. 

Since this is one of the most commonest problems prevailing in most population, it is better we address the main reason of halitosis and treat it specifically to prevent this from happening. Consult your dentist to know the actual reason for your bad breath and treat it adequately...