Do you think that bad breath comes from halitosis or eating foods that have a strong odor like garlic and onions?  You might be surprised to find out that it comes from bacteria.  It usually is from bacteria that are on or under your tongue.  Dentists refer to the sulfur byproducts excreted as waste by oral bacteria as “volatile sulfur compounds” (VSC’s) and it’s their presence in your mouth that causes bad breath. Besides food, bad breath can be caused by poor dental hygiene, tobacco use and, some medical conditions.

Some causes of Bad Breath

• Tobacco Products – whether it’s cigarettes, chew, or pipe—all can cause chronic bad breath from the build-up of tar and nicotine as well as reduced saliva flow.

• Food  –  Eating foods like onions, garlic, certain vegetables, and spices—odor-causing food particles enter the bloodstream and are carried to the lungs, where they affect the odor of your breath each time you exhale.

• Coffee & Alcohol – If you are a big fan of drinking coffee or Alcohol you might notice you end up having bad breath afterward.  This is due to the effect of a decrease in saliva production.  

• Medical Conditions – Respiratory tract infections, chronic sinusitis, postnasal drip, chronic bronchitis, diabetes, gastrointestinal disturbances, or liver and kidney ailments can contribute to bad breath problems.

Solutions to Bad Breath

To help get rid of bad breath make sure to brush twice a day and floss daily to remove odor-causing bacteria from the teeth, gums, and tongue. Use an antibacterial toothpaste and mouthwash to help kill odor-causing bacteria. A clean, plaque-free mouth is critical to maintaining fresh breath.

To Help Keep Breath Fresh Between Brushings Try:

• Rinsing with mouthwash after eating
• Chewing sugarless gum to stimulate saliva flow
• Snacking on celery, carrots, and apples which can help loosen debris
• Eat a nutritious diet – vitamin deficiencies can contribute to bad breath
• Brushing your tongue

See Dr. Hilehito Gene Lin, at Smiles of Round Lake if bad breath persists to rule out chronic medical conditions. In most cases, your daily cleanings using Toothpaste, Rinsing Mouth your with More often than not bad breath can be conquered by using mouthwash, toothpaste, and dental floss every day.