Causes & Cures for Terrible Bad Breath

Bad breath isn't just a nuisance. It keeps you from being close to friends and family. Bad breath may make a prospective employer think twice about hiring you. Bad breath implies you don't care for your self or your health and that personal hygiene may be lacking. Instead it may indicate serious health problems. There are causes of very bad breath, and also cures.

Food

• Eating leaves food particles on the teeth. If these aren't removed, you'll end up with bad breath. Aside from regular eating, causes of terrible bad breath may be specific foods. Those with strong odors, such as onions and garlic, make bad breath more terrible. While mouthwash and toothpaste cover up the odors, according to MedicineNet, "The odor will not go away completely until the foods have passed through your body."

Health

• Terrible bad breath may signal a health problem. If nothing you do seems to alleviate your bad breath, you may have periodontal, otherwise known as gum, disease. According to MedicineNet, "Gum disease is caused by the buildup of plaque on teeth. The bacteria cause toxins to form in the mouth, which irritate the gums. If gum disease continues untreated, it can damage the gums and jawbone." Other health concerns for terrible bad breath are tooth decay, yeast infections and problems with dentures.

  Any number of serious diseases can cause terrible bad breath. These include diabetes, chronic sinus infections or acid reflux disease, respiratory problems such as pneumonia or bronchitis as well as problems with the kidney or liver.

Hygiene

• A cause of terrible bad breath may be a lack of good personal hygiene. Bad breath happens naturally after the consumption of food, after smoking or after drinking any liquid other than water.

  A cure is taking care of your teeth. After eating, you always need to brush your teeth carefully. Make sure to reach all the teeth, inside, outside and on top. Also brush the gums around the teeth. Flossing assists in getting out particles of food stuck between the teeth. Brushing your teeth with baking soda or most toothpastes removes bacteria that cause bad breath. Toothbrushes wear out and become depositories for bacteria. Replace toothbrushes every two or three months.

Decay

• Terrible bad breath may stem from tooth decay. At least once a year, be sure to visit your dentist. If your teeth cause discomfort or pain, make an appointment with the dentist immediately. Tooth problems do not disappear on their own. Bad breath may be a signal of significant tooth problems. The dentist will check your teeth for decay and infections. Allowing the dentist to fix your tooth problems may alleviate your problem. Also, be sure to have your teeth cleaned on a regular schedule.