Causes of Bad Breath  

Bad breath, or halitosis, has, at one time or another, been experienced by all human beings.  There are certain foods, like garlic, coffee, and onions, that cause an odiferous smell to emanate from the mouth. Because the mouth is warm and moist it is the ideal Petri dish for the growth of bacteria.  Bacteria consumes food and excretes waste.  This waste from bacteria is the most common cause of mouth odor.  Without proper brushing of the teeth and flossing regularly, bits of food can become trapped between teeth and can decay, causing unpleasant mouth odor. Food that is not removed from teeth can also cause periodontal or gum disease, another cause of foul breath.   

A decay in a tooth can cause bad breath, as can throat, sinus, and lung infections.  There are diseases that can cause bad breath including, kidney and liver diseases, diabetes, reflux disease, and lung disease.  If oral odor is caused by other diseases, the prevention will depend upon the particular disease.  Individual specialists can assist in finding treatments for halitosis brought on by various diseases.   

Dry mouth, or a lack of the proper amounts of saliva in the mouth, open mouth breathing, and some medications can be responsible for mouth odor.  Poor fitting dental appliances, and yeast infections of the mouth can be the cause of bad breath, as well. 

The tongue can be one of the most common locations for the presence of bacteria which can effect the mouth’s odor.  The back part of the tongue can harbor bacteria from post-nasal drip, GERD (Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease), dead cells, and food deposits. The nose can sometimes be the culprit as it can emit odors from sinus infection or foreign bodies in the nasal passage.  Abnormalities of the esophagus can also cause the emission of noxious gases from the mouth.  There is also a delusional halitosis, called Halitophobia, that occurs when a person imagines that he has halitosis, but does not. 

The most efficient way to prevent bad breath is to begin a regimen of healthy oral hygiene.  Brushing teeth at least twice daily, flossing daily, brushing the tongue, the use of an oral rinse, and twice a year visits to the dentist, will all go far to minimize bad breath.  Drinking plenty of water assists in maintaining adequate saliva levels which can help promote fresh breath. Chewing sugar-free gum can keep saliva levels up and can help clean teeth between brushings.