Most Common Cause of Bad Breath

Bad breath is not only a social embarrassment or matter of personal hygiene, but it is often the sign that you may have a health problem. There are a few major causes of bad breath, ranging from tooth decay to eating acidic foods.

Bad Hygiene

• Bad breath is also known as halitosis. Tooth decay, cavities and poor oral hygiene are leading causes of bad breath. If you do not regularly brush and floss your teeth, food particles trapped between the teeth can break down inside the mouth causing foul odor. According to Kids Health, mouthwash does not stop bad breath but simply masks foul odors.

Smoking & Gum Disease

• Cigarettes can not only cause gum disease but are a contributor to bad breath.

  Smoking and gum disease may cause halitosis. Smoking not only causes the teeth to stain, but can contribute to gum disease. Gum disease is caused by plaque buildup in the mouth; as bacteria in the mouth builds, it releases toxins contributing to foul breath.

Dry Mouth and Other Health Problems

• According to WebMD, the medical condition known as dry mouth or xerostomia is a contributor to halitosis. If the mouth does not have enough saliva to keep it moist and wash away dead cells and plaque, the cells will decompose and cause bad breath and other health problems. Pneumonia, chronic sinus infections, diabetes, and liver or kidney problems may contribute to bad breath.

Stinky Foods

• Smelly foods such as garlic and onions often contribute to bad breath. Mouthwash, tooth brushing and flossing may remove some particles and mask bad odors, but ultimately odors caused by stinky foods will pass as they are digested.