1. Lack of hygiene
The most common reason is, when food particles get stuck between the teeth or anywhere else in the mouth, they are broken down by bacteria that grow there. This process releases a foul odor. Bacteria can also cause tooth decay and gum disease. Brushing your teeth, tongue, and flossing helps remove food debris
2. Dry mouth
Saliva helps wash the mouth, so if the body is not producing enough saliva, bad breath can be emitted. Smoking can cause dry mouth and also increase the risk of gum disease. Some medicines can cause dry mouth
3. Gastroesophageal reflux disease
It is a digestive disorder in which stomach acid or fluids rise up into the esophagus, the tube that takes food from the mouth to the stomach
4. Tonsils stones
When food gets stuck in the tonsils, which are located at the back of the mouth on both sides, they sometimes harden into calcium deposits called tonsil stones.
5. Periodontal disease
Inflammation of the gums can cause them to become red, swollen, and bleed easily. It results in plaque, which is a sticky layer that builds up on the teeth and can be removed by brushing and flossing. Untreated gingivitis may cause periodontitis, gum tissue damage, and can lead to tooth and bone loss around the teeth
6. Infections in the nose, throat or lungs, for example a patient with pneumonia coughs up a foul-smelling liquid
7. Diabetes
People with diabetes have an increased risk of developing gum disease, and gum disease can make diabetes more difficult to control because it can raise blood sugar levels.
8. Liver disease or kidney disease
This can lead to bad breath due to the smell of toxic substances that can be filtered from the body through the kidneys or liver.
9. Sjogren's syndrome
It is an autoimmune disease that can lead to dry mouth, dry eyes, dry skin, as well as muscle pain
10. Cancer in the mouth or between the nose and mouth
Other symptoms of oropharyngeal cancer (the pharynx is located between the nose and mouth) include sores that do not heal, mouth pain, difficulty swallowing, a lump in the neck and unexplained weight loss.
What can be done to prevent bad breath?
Brush twice daily for at least two minutes each time and floss once daily.
Use an antibacterial mouthwash.
Visit your dentist regularly, every 6 months, for examinations and professional dental cleaning.
Drink plenty of water to help prevent dry mouth.
Boost saliva production by using sugar-free gum, sucking on sugar-free candy, or eating healthy foods that require a lot of chewing.
