Answers to that Most Embarrassing Question: What Causes Bad Breath?
Halitosis, commonly just known as bad breath, is almost inevitable to some degree. Most people are not aware that they suffer from this affliction, and it is almost impossible to avoid getting this embarrassing problem at some time. One of the greatest worries is having this happen to you, but then none of your close friends or acquaintances is courteous enough to point it out. It’s quite usual to wonder what causes bad breath, even if none of your friends has mentioned it to you particularly. The good new is that it is relatively easy to keep under control with a bit of understanding of what causes bad breath.
The most obvious examples of foods with strong odors that remain in your breath for a long time are onions and garlic. Usually, brushing or using mouth fresheners only offers temporary relief because, unknown to most people, traces of these smelly odors find their way back into the breath through the blood that pumps around our lungs, after the food has been digested. Most people know to avoid these particular foods as they are well known for their lingering odors. If these are what causes your bad breath then just avoid them whenever possible. This will solve many cases of temporary bad breath, but if your condition is more severe you may still be wondering what causes bad breath, apart from smelly foods.
Left over food particles in your mouth are one of the reasons. When left in your mouth they start to rot as they sit between your teeth. These little bits of food are perfect for getting bad breath going and helping those stinky bacteria grow. Beyond these, there are also certain medical conditions like ketosis that may be responsible for a more permanent foul smell on one’s breath.
Simple Answers to the Question: What Causes Bad Breath?
The causes of bad breath are varied, and halitosis is affected by a number of factors, so it is best to consult a doctor. A regular visit to the dentist can uncover certain things that could be causing your bad breath. In the worst cases a blood test might reveal what could reveal what causes bad breath for you. Although halitosis in itself is not very serious from a medical point of view it can sometimes be the result of a serious condition. You don’t need to wait until your next doctor’s appointment to take action in getting your breath to smell much better. There are some effective steps that can be taken safely on your own.
Good dental hygiene is an obvious first step. Brush your teeth three times a day, floss to get all the little bits from between your teeth and use mouthwash to give everything a good rinse. Smoking will always leave your breath smelling bad, so staying away from these will help. Alcohol dries out your mouth and makes it a place for foul smelling bacteria to thrive. As simple as they sound these things are most often what causes bad breath.