Cause of Bad Breath

Most cases of halitosis (bad breath) are caused by odor-causing bacteria that build up in your mouth and between your teeth. Foods you eat, like onions and garlic, can also give your breath a bad smell, as can smoking and not brushing or flossing regularly. Bad breath can also be caused by sinusitis, bronchitis, or other respiratory infections; mouth or gum diseases; certain blood disorders; and liver or kidney problems.입냄새치료추천

If you have a persistently bad breath odor, make an appointment with your dentist to determine the source of the odor. They will likely suggest using an odor-reducing oral rinse or brushing and flossing more frequently, to remove bacterial deposits that can cause bad breath. They may also refer you to your family doctor or a specialist, depending on the cause of the odor.

Constant bad breath, known as chronic halitosis, can be a sign of a serious health problem, such as lung or stomach cancer, peptic ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or other digestive problems. The odor from a bacterial infection in the throat, tonsils, or lungs can also lead to halitosis. In addition, a constant case of heartburn can be a cause of halitosis, because acid and other foods can make their way back up the throat.

Having an overly dry mouth can also contribute to bad breath, since saliva is responsible for eliminating some of the food particles that cause halitosis. This can happen if you drink too much alcohol, smoke, or have a salivary gland disorder; it can also be the result of some medications and some medical conditions, such as diabetes or autoimmune disorders.

A symptom of some conditions is chronically bad breath, which can be difficult to treat. For example, if you have diabetes, your breath can smell fruity or like nail polish, as the body is burning fat for energy instead of glucose. If you have a disease or illness that causes this type of bad breath, treating the underlying condition usually cures the halitosis.

If your halitosis is not due to a dental or medical cause, try keeping a log of what you eat and when, and bring the log to your dentist and doctor. You can also ask your pharmacist for a list of all the medications you take, as some drugs can cause halitosis or worsen existing halitosis. If your halitosis is due to gum disease, your dentist will either treat the gum disease or refer you to a periodontist, a specialist who treats conditions that affect the gums and supporting structures of the mouth.해우소한의원