Top 8 Little-Known Culprits Behind Bad Breath

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Bad breath is a very prevalent issue. You're not alone if you've ever had a foul mouth odor while on a date, at a work meeting, or while interacting with friends. According to studies, approximately half of all adults have dealt with this problem at some point in their lives. Bad breath can be caused by a variety of factors. While the majority of them are harmless, some can indicate a severe underlying issue.

Continue reading to learn about the top eight unexpected culprits behind bad breath.

1. Alcohol

Regardless of the fact that it is a liquid, alcohol can dry out your mouth by reducing salivary flow. Saliva is necessary to keep your mouth wet and clean by eliminating dead cells from the tongue, gums, and inner surface of the cheeks. These cells can begin to degrade if not cleaned out, resulting in an unpleasant smell from your mouth. Caffeine-containing drinks, spicy foods, and tobacco can all lead to lack of saliva in your mouth.

2. Cracked tooth or filling

Biting on hard foods or being punched in the mouth can cause a tooth or filling to break or become otherwise injured, collecting food residue and accumulating bacteria. Cavities, periodontitis, and bad breath can all result from this. By causing discomfort, inflammation, and infection in your gum line and oral tissues, ill-fitting dentures can lead to the same problem. Consider seeing an experienced dentist if you've recently broken a filling or wear dentures that fit poorly. 

3. Tongue bacteria

Your tongue is an ideal environment for bacteria that cause bad breath. That's why cleaning your tongue with a toothbrush or a tongue scraper is crucial. If you want more substantial results, consider using scrapers. If you're looking for one, stay away from those made of plastic or metal, as they often break or are too sharp.

4. Lack of carbs

When your carbs consumption is decreasing and your protein intake increases, your body begins to burn fat for energy. This causes the formation of substances known as ketones, which can cause a bad smell from your mouth. Even the most meticulous brushing and flossing can fail to solve the problem in this case. You may try chewing sugar free gum to disguise your bad breath.

5. Common cold

Infections of the respiratory system, allergies, and infections such as the common cold or bronchitis can all lead to halitosis. All of these disorders cause an increase in mucus, which is the odor-causing bacteria's favorite food. Furthermore, if your nose is congested, you're more likely to breathe through your mouth, which might exacerbate your symptoms.

6. Medications

Saliva production can be reduced because of 400 over-the-counter and prescription drugs. These include allergy and depression medications. Food debris, dead cells, and bacteria are washed away by saliva, minimizing the chance of halitosis. You can prevent your mouth from drying out by using specialized mouthwashes, keeping yourself hydrated, and chewing sugarless gum.

7. Tonsil stones

Small particles of bacteria and food leftovers may become lodged in the nooks and crevices of your tonsils or the back of your tongue. Apart from inducing smelly breath, they're usually harmless. Most tonsil stones will dissolve on their own, but you can speed up the process by gargling with salt water. If you want to learn more about other treatments, talk to an experienced dental specialist.

8. Acid Reflux or Heartburn

Bad breath may develop due to partially digested foods traveling back up to your esophagus and into your mouth. It could also be caused by stomach acid irritation, which results in excess mucus. If you have repeated heartburn attacks, see a healthcare provider.