Bad breath is also known as halitosis. It affects everyone at some point in their lives. Bad breath can be caused by a variety of factors, including waking up early or from eating garlic- and onion-rich meals. Halitosis can be caused by a lack of regular brushing or flossing. However, there are other reasons that people may experience bad breath.
Diet
Bad breath can be caused by high-protein, low carb diets in two ways. High-protein foods produce large amounts of amino acids that feed bacteria, making bad breath worse. Low-carb diets cause your body to burn more fat. This leads to ketones which can make your breath smell bad.
Medications
Aspirin and other over-the-counter medications can reduce saliva production in the mouth. Bad breath can result from this drying of the mouth and the growth of bacteria.
Infection & Illness
Diabetes, kidney disease, and gastro esophageal regurgitation disease can all cause an increase of bacteria in the breath. This causes unpleasant odours to emanate from the mouth. Tooth and gum infection can lead to the tissue in the mouth becoming more fragile and more susceptible to becoming dry.
Alcohol
Diuretic alcohol is one that dehydrates the body. It also dehydrates the mouth by decreasing saliva production and increasing bacteria that can cause bad breath. Drinking alcohol can also cause problems in the digestion system and esophagus. This can lead to stomach acid odors emerging from the mouth.
Treatment
Bad breath is a problem that affects nearly half of Americans. You can dramatically reduce your risk of developing bad breath or chronic halitosis by incorporating a few simple habits to your daily routine.
- Daily brushing and flossing of your teeth
- Get more water
- Prevent cavities and gum disease from developing
- For professional cleanings, make sure to visit your dentist regularly