Bad Breath Problems

Bad breath can sometimes be a difficult problem to treat. The average person brushes and uses one of the many brands of mouthwash available on the market, but when the problem persists, this could be more than just a lingering case of morning breath. Bad breath can stem from a variety of problems; the most common are poor oral hygiene habits, medication side effects, salivary gland problems and excessive breathing through the mouth.

Periodontal Disease

• According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, about 80 percent of U.S. adults currently have some form of gum disease, ranging from gum inflammation to periodontal disease. Not practicing good oral hygiene can lead to the gum disease gingivitis, from tartar and plaque buildup. This buildup causes bacteria to breed and spread throughout the gums causing inflammation and bleeding. If at this point the gingivitis is not treated, it can lead to periodontal disease, which causes the gums to pull away from the teeth. Between the loose gums and teeth, bacteria breed within the gaps causing odor to escape throughout your mouth. One of the main signs of periodontal disease is bad breath that won't go away.

Dentures

• Dentures themselves do not cause a smell, but they can be the precursors of mouth odor. This is due to bacteria living on the surface of the dentures. There are a few methods you can try to find out if this is the cause of your bad breath. First, remove your dentures and put them in a sealed plastic bag. Close the bag and let it sit out for five minutes. Lastly, open the bag and take a sniff. This smell will let you know what your breath smells like to other people. Clean your dentures often and rinse and clean your whole mouth.

Poor Oral Hygiene

• Not brushing your teeth or flossing daily will cause leftover food particles to breed bacteria on your gums, tongue and between your teeth. This bacteria causes bad breath. Even worse, bad dental habits can lead to gingivitis, which if left untreated can become periodontal disease. Periodontal disease left untreated can cause the teeth to loosen and fall out over time. The American Dental Association recommends that you brush twice daily and floss at least once a day.

Respiratory Infections

• Upper respiratory infections can cause post nasal drip, which in excess can build up on the back of the tongue and breed bacteria. Not only will this mucus drainage taste bad, but it also creates a foul odor in your mouth. These respiratory infections can also cause your nose to stop up, forcing you to breathe through your mouth. Breathing in this way can cause your mouth to dry up, which also promotes bad breath.

Dry Mouth

• Dry mouth (xerostomia) is a medical condition that can cause bad breath. This is due to a lack of saliva available to moisten the mouth. Without the saliva around to do this job as well as neutralize acid emitted from plaque or cleanse dead cells from the mouth, bacteria form and the cells decompose, causing bad breath.