Friends or colleagues turning their faces away when you are sitting nearby and smelling bad breath—this is a problem that drives many to severe mental distress. Scientifically, bad breath is called halitosis. Although most people think that it is simply caused by not keeping their mouth clean, it is actually due to chemical changes in the digestive system and saliva. Here are 5 main scientific reasons behind bad breath:
Dirty tongue and bacteria (Anaerobic Bacteria): There are billions of anaerobic bacteria (Anaerobic Bacteria) that grow in the absence of air inside our mouth, especially on the back of the tongue. When the remains of the food we eat accumulate between the teeth and on the tongue (Dental Plaque), these bacteria start digesting them. Through this process, they release VSC (Volatile Sulfur Compounds) or hydrogen sulfide gas, which has a strong odor. This is the main cause of bad breath.
Dry Mouth: Saliva, like tears in the eyes, keeps the mouth clean. Saliva has the ability to kill bacteria. But when you sleep at night or do not drink enough water every day, your mouth becomes dry. Scientifically, this is called Xerostomia / Dry Mouth. When saliva is reduced, the mouth is prevented from cleaning itself and bacteria multiply rapidly, causing bad breath (this is the reason why bad breath increases when you wake up in the morning).
Periodontal Disease and Gum Disease (Periodontitis): In people who do not brush their teeth properly, calcium deposits form between the teeth and ‘Tartar/Calculus’ (calculus) forms. This causes gum disease called gingivitis or periodontitis, which is an infection of the gums. Pus and blood coming from the gums can cause a strong odor. In addition, food that gets stuck in large cavities in the teeth (Tooth decay) and rotting can also lead to bad breath.
Acidity and indigestion (GERD / Acid Reflux): Bad breath is not always a problem of the mouth alone. A condition in which excess acid is produced in the stomach and it comes up through the esophagus is called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The sourness and smell of undigested food in the stomach can cause chronic bad breath. Infections in the intestines are also the cause.
Tonsil stones and other diseases (Tonsil Stones): Small holes can form in the tonsils on both sides of our throat. Food debris, bacteria, and calcium accumulate inside the tonsils, forming small yellow lumps. These are called tonsil stones. They have a strong, foul odor. Chronic sinusitis, diabetes (which can cause fruity acetone breath), and severe liver and kidney diseases can also cause bad breath.
