Causes of Bad Breath

Bad breath, medically known as halitosis, can be an embarrassing issue for people of all ages. Persistent bad breath may be caused by a health issue, such as tooth decay or gum disease, but in many cases, it's a side effect of poor oral hygiene habits. There are also many other reasons that you may suffer from bad breath.

Check out if your reason is one of these:

Poor Oral Hygiene

If you don't brush and floss regularly, food particles and bacteria will remain in your mouth, causing bad breath. Additionally, food particles and bacteria can cause plaque buildup, which irritates the gums and makes them red, swollen, and prone to bleeding. These irritated gums provide a breeding ground for bacteria, which further increases your risk of bad breath.

Gum Disease

Gum disease is the leading cause of bad breath. When bacteria and plaque build up along the gum line, the gums become swollen and inflamed. As the gum tissue becomes inflamed, it irritates the gums and triggers a foul odor from the mouth.

Mouth Infections

Bacteria are tiny organisms that live in the mouth. When they are not removed with regular brushing and flossing, they can cause an infection. These infections include cavities, gingivitis, and periodontitis.

When bacteria infect your gums, they release toxins, which cause inflammation. This causes your gums to bleed, become swollen and red, and recede. Without treatment, the bacteria can also infect your teeth, causing further inflammation. This can cause the teeth to become loose, fall out, or need to be removed by a dentist in Livermore, CA.

Dry Mouth

Dry mouth is one of the main reasons people suffer from bad breath. The condition causes a lack of saliva, which naturally helps neutralize bacteria in the mouth. Because saliva is the body's natural defense against bacteria, a dry mouth can cause bacteria to thrive in the mouth, causing bad breath.

Tobacco Use

Tobacco use causes bad breath by promoting dry mouth. Mouth breathing also dries out the mouth and can contribute to bad breath.

Tobacco products contain harmful ingredients like tar, nicotine, and carbon monoxide. These substances make the mouth drier and make it more likely for bacteria and plaque to grow in the mouth. Over time, these substances can erode the gums, which can allow bacteria to enter and attack the tooth's roots.

Diet

A diet that is high in sugar and acid can cause bad breath. If you eat a lot of sugary foods or drinks, such as candy, soda, or fruit juice, the bacteria in your mouth will feed on the sugars. This can cause a buildup of sulfur compounds in your mouth, which leaves you with a displeasing odor.

Alta Vista Dental provides all the dental services with the expertise of experienced dentists. Call at 925-292-1459 and book your appointment to receive a complete oral checkup.