About 75 percent of bad breath or “halitosis” is caused by the mouth itself. Other causes include gastric problems, sinus infections or severe gum disease,” says Mark Wolff, DDS, Ph.D., director of operative dentistry at the State University of New York at Stony Brook.
One of the key successes in treating bad breath is determining the cause. Once your dental professional determines what the cause is then treatment for it can then begin(1).
Bad breath can be caused by the following:
- External factors – foods such as onions and garlic, beverages like coffee and alcohol, and smoking
- Poor oral hygiene – where plaque and food debris is left on the teeth
- Oral disease – gingivitis and periodontal disease
- Dentures – plaque and food debris can form on dentures, which need to be cleaned daily
- Tonsils – cryptic areas (crevices) in the tonsils can allow food debris to become lodged in the tonsil area
- Respiratory tract infections – throat, sinus and lung infections
- Dry mouth (Xerostomia) – can be caused by salivary gland problems, medication, mouth breathing, radiation therapy and chemotherapy
- Systemic diseases – diabetes, liver, kidney, lung, sinus diseases and gastrointestinal disorders
