What Is Really Causing Your Bad Breath?

What Is Really Causing Your Bad Breath?

There is a long list of factors that can cause or contribute to your bad breath. Sometimes foul odor is occasional, and fast and easy to address—but bad breath can also be a sign of poor oral hygiene, unhealthy habits, or a symptom of a health concern. Here are just a few common causes you should be aware of.

What You Just Ate

If you just ate something with a strong taste or aroma, such as onions or garlic, you may have some lingering odors—even if the food tasted great. Excessive drinking and eating a diet low in natural whole foods may also be the culprit.

Acid Reflux

If you have acid reflux, you will likely emit an acidic odor from your mouth. Work with your physician to make the necessary changes to balance your digestive system—or bad breath will be the least of your worries.

Smoking

In case it must be said, smokers often have bad breath. Even if you only smoke a cigar or pipe on occasion, the smoke will linger on your breath.

Dry Mouth

If you are taking a prescription that leaves your mouth dry, your sinuses are clogged forcing you to breathe only through your mouth, or you are experiencing dry mouth for any other reasons—the lack of saliva is likely to lead to a foul odor. Drinking water or unsweetened herbal tea throughout the day will help.

It’s Time To Brush Your Teeth

Everyone experiences morning breath, which is often caused by dry mouth. As a general rule, you should only brush twice a day—but if you need a post-meal, or mid-day refresh, a quick brushing can help.

Poor Oral Care

If you fail to brush your teeth regularly, have poor technique, or have gum disease—you may be experiencing an undesirable odor. Begin flossing daily, and brushing twice each day, and the odor should subside.

You Need To Clean Your Tongue

Even if you brush and floss daily, you must not forget to clean your tongue. Your tongue is porous, and becomes a host for the foods and beverages you consume—and if left uncheck will grow bacteria, and begin to smell. Brush your tongue with your toothbrush, or tongue scraper—or invest in the Triple Bristle which cleans tongue, gums, and teeth!

If you rule out the odor-causing culprits above, it may be time for a trip to the doctor to see if it may be a side effect of a yet diagnosed health condition.