What Causes Halitosis?
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Food Choices
Foods with a strong smell, such as onions or garlic, can cause bad breath, especially if you don't brush your teeth after eating. The same is true of coffee and certain other drinks, such as diet sodas. If you eat a lot of sugary foods and don't brush right away, chances are some of that sugar will adhere to your teeth. As sugar rots, it causes a strong odor.
Dieting
It's not only what you eat, but also what you don't eat that can lead to bad breath. For example, low-carb diets can cause halitosis. As the body burns fat (instead of carbohydrates) for energy, it produces ketones, a foul-smelling end-product that can lead to bad breath.
Poor hygiene
Skipping a single brushing here and there might not be the end of the world, but do it regularly and you might end up with bad breath. The same can happen if you brush but don't floss regularly, since toothbrushes can't remove food particles stuck between your teeth. If brush and floss regularly, still can't figure what's causing your halitosis , try adding an antibacterial mouthwash to your routine. That should help clear any remaining bacteria present in your mouth.
Smoking
Aside from staining your teeth, smoking also damages your gums and causes bad breath. Chewing tobacco has the same effect.
Poor health
Respiratory tract, sinus, and other infections are notorious for causing bad breath. In fact, chances are if you have a sinus infection, you'll have halitosis to go along with it. Other medical conditions that can cause bad breath include diabetes, gastritis, kidney disease, bronchitis and liver disease. If you've tried everything else and you still have halitosis, you might want to talk to your doctor to rule out a more serious medical condition.
This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.
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