Halitosis: Causes of Bad Breath

1. Skipping meals: Believe it or not, skipping a meal can lead to foul-smelling breath. The Indian Dental Association notes that poor diet can also lead to poor nutrition, which can cause oral health problems such as premature tooth loss and bad breath. To avoid this, try to eat regular meals at least three to four hours apart.
2. Illness: Conditions such as gum disease, diabetes, and even a sinus infection are associated with bad breath. If one of the common remedies for bad breath doesn't clear up your condition, be sure to talk to your doctor or dentist.
3. Not Brushing Enough: How often do you brush your teeth during the day? If you're not brushing at least twice daily for 120 seconds per session, you could be at risk for bad breath. Be sure to brush your tongue, as well – it harbours just as many odours as the food caught between your teeth!
4. Brushing at the Wrong Time: Most of us brush in the morning, but if you brush before you eat breakfast, the food you eat at your morning meal can get lodged between teeth. This food collects germs and becomes one of the most common halitosis causes.
5. Potent Foods: Garlic is delicious on your pizza, but it's downright unpleasant on your breath. If you have an occasion where you need your breath to smell especially fresh, skip potent foods such as onions, garlic, and even coffee or alcohol.
6. Dry Mouth: Some medical treatments and medications can cause your mouth to become dry from lack of saliva, also known as xerostomia. Saliva is responsible for clearing away odour-causing cells inside your mouth. If you don't make enough saliva, the cells can stay inside your mouth and cause bad breath.
7. Tobacco Products: There are dozens of reasons to stop smoking or chewing tobacco, and bad breath is one of them. Smokers and chewers often suffer from a residual tobacco smell on their breath and a build-up of germs inside the mouth that can cause bad odours.

With a little bit of care and attention to your daily routine, you can keep your breath fresh and your smile inviting.