Bad breath is something that many people find uncomfortable when interacting with others. It is not just a personal hygiene problem, but can also be a symptom of some other diseases in the body. The main causes are:
Poor oral hygiene: When food debris remains between the teeth and on the tongue, bacteria grow there. The gases released by these bacteria cause bad breath. Not cleaning the tongue properly and plaque that sticks to the teeth are the villains.
Dry Mouth: Saliva helps to destroy and clean the bacteria in the mouth. However, when saliva production decreases, the mouth dries out and bacteria multiply. This is the main reason why you feel bad breath when you wake up in the morning.
Diet: Eating onions, garlic, and some spices can temporarily cause bad breath. When these are digested, they reach the lungs through the blood and are exhaled. Smoking and drinking alcohol also dry out the mouth and increase bad breath.
Gum disease and tooth decay: Tooth decay, gum inflammation (gingivitis), and infections are breeding grounds for bacteria. These cause a strong odor that does not go away even after brushing.
Other health problems: Bad breath is also common in people with chronic sinusitis, tonsillitis, acid reflux, diabetes, and liver or kidney disease.
