Poor dental hygiene. If you don’t brush and floss daily, food particles remain in your mouth, causing bad breath. A colorless, sticky film of bacteria (plaque) forms on your teeth. If not brushed away, plaque can irritate your gums and eventually form plaque-filled pockets between your teeth and gums (periodontitis).
The primary cause: bacteria that live in your mouth and break down food, proteins and even skin cells, leading to the production and release of smelly volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs). We asked experts to share the top causes of bad breath—and the best ways to eliminate bacteria and other halitosis culprits. 1.
You could simply tell them that their breath is smelly, directly but politely. Bring up this sensitive topic with compassion and care, especially if it is someone close to you or you’re worried about making them upset.
Everyone also should be aware of other new symptoms, in addition to bad breath, that are possible signs of oral, oropharyngeal (throat) or laryngeal cancer. These symptoms include: A lump in the neck.
At certain times when we feel anxious, our mouth becomes dry. This is due to the stress hormones cortisol, adrenaline, and noradrenaline. Together, these hormones can change the production of the bacteria VSC, making your breath smell bad.
In some cases, bad breath that persists even after brushing can be a sign of a more serious issue. Diseases, like certain cancers, can cause bad breath as well as metabolic disorders. Excess stomach acid caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can also be a culprit.
Bacteria, gum disease, cavities, dry mouth, poorly fitting dental devices, and infections are among the leading causes of bad breath. Sometimes problems in the intestinal tract, liver, and kidneys are at the root of the problem.
Brushing your teeth properly for two minutes and flossing before bed will help — and there is no reason why you can’t both pop to the bathroom and brush your teeth in the morning, then dash back to bed. However, the simplest way to get rid of funky morning breath is to keep a glass of water next to your bed.
Let them know gently.
Some ideas for considerate, compassionate conversation starters include: “I noticed something, and I’m not sure if you’re aware, but your breath smells a bit off.” “Sorry to mention this, but you have some bad breath right now, and I really don’t want anyone else to say anything to you about it.”
What causes bad breath?- Certain foods. The things you eat are linked to your oral health, including your breath.
When most people think about bad breath, they do not think about heart disease. In fact, bad breath and heart disease have something in common, gum disease. Unfortunately, gum disease has been linked to an increased risk of heart problems, and inflammation may be the linking factor.
Breath that smells sour
With gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), the muscle between your esophagus and stomach doesn’t close properly. As a result, the contents of your stomach can back up into your esophagus, throat, or mouth. If you have GERD, your breath may sometimes smell sour, like partially digested food.
Water helps fight against bad breath
By drinking water throughout the day, you can stave off morning breath. It also washes away food particles and prevents tooth decay that contributes to bad breath.
Depression often causes a decreased flow of saliva, which causes dry mouth that can turn into bad breath.
This estrogen deprivation can result in unpleasant side effects such as hot flashes and mood swings. Another side effect that affects your oral health: dry mouth. This condition leaves your mouth ripe for bacteria to develop and grow, causing bad breath.
Dental disease and bad breath
When bad breath is caused by oral problems, it usually smells like rotten eggs. This is caused by the breakdown of cysteine at the front of the tongue or on the gums.
Thankfully, chronic bad breath or halitosis can be cured. This condition is a common problem affecting millions of people in the US alone. Some resort to mouthwashes and mints to mask their stinky breath.
Mouthwashes that contain antibacterial agents cetylpyridinium chloride (Cepacol), chlorhexidine (Peridex) or hydrogen peroxide are effective. Closys, a toothpaste, mouthwash, and oral spray hygiene system is another option. These products kill the germs that cause bad breath and freshen your breath.
Approximately 30% of the population complains of some sort of bad breath. Halitosis (Latin for “bad breath”) often occurs after a garlicky meal or in the morning after waking. Other causes of temporary halitosis include some beverages (including alcoholic drinks or coffee) and tobacco smoking.
“It’s almost like a white-noise reset to the olfactory system,” says Dalton. Try this: sniff coffee or charcoal for a full minute. Then go back and take a whiff of your underarm or other potentially offending area. In a pinch, you could even smell the crook of your elbow, which contains few sweat glands.
Here’s a look at some of the key offenders:- #1: Garlic. While it’s not surprising garlic would make the list, what might shock you is how garlic can leave its sulfuric mark on more than just your tongue.
#2: Onions.
#3: Dairy.
#4: Canned Tuna.
#5: Horseradish.
Bad breath is usually related to poor dental hygiene. Not brushing and flossing regularly causes sulfur compounds to be released by bacteria in the mouth. Some disorders will produce distinct breath odors. Some examples are: A fruity odor to the breath is a sign of ketoacidosis, which may occur in diabetes.
If you have, you may have experienced phantosmia—the medical name for a smell hallucination. Phantosmia odors are often foul; some people smell feces or sewage, others describe smelling smoke or chemicals. These episodes can be sparked by a loud noise or change in the flow of air entering your nostrils.
Most people can’t focus on anything as close as a face at kissing distance so closing your eyes saves them from looking at a distracting blur or the strain of trying to focus. Kissing can also make us feel vulnerable or self-conscious and closing your eyes is a way of making yourself more relaxed.
Make sure you’re prepared before the moment comes
Make sure your lips aren’t dry or cracked. Regular lip scrubs, especially during the winter, can help you avoid chapped and peeling lips. Keep lip balm on hand for a pre-kiss touch-up. Rely on a breath mint or piece of gum to keep your mouth feeling (and tasting) fresh.