12 causes of mouth odour

Bad breath pisses everyone off. No matter how close you may be to someone, they may keep distance because of bad breath. Bad breath is capable of killing pleasant conversations, and hurting your self-confidence. Even if you try to hide it, you cannot do so for long. Everyone needs to be aware of its causes and take action to defend them. Here are 12 causes of bad breath.


1. Food

Foods like garlic and onions can leave potent, lingering odours. These odours can last for days until the food has worked its way through your system. Alcohol and coffee increase the body’s acidity and can dehydrate. This can lead to dry mouth, a state which creates atrocious odours.

2. Poor Oral Care

Inadequate brushing and flossing can leave foods residues. These residues lead to plaque development on your teeth. Plaque is an ideal food for the bacteria that make your breath smell awful. That’s because the bacteria that feed on the food sugars and plaque expel sulfuric smelling compounds. Enough bacteria can lead to cavities and periodontal disease, which leads to more bacteria and a circular problem that leaves you with an even stinkier mouth.

3. Tongue (or Mouth) Piercings

Tongue piercing can bring about noxious breath by providing a haven for harmful organisms that cause it. Research has indicated higher incidences of Candida albicans (yeast) infections in persons with tongue-piercings.


4. Dry Mouth:

Dry Mouth, also known as Xerostamia is the rough, cottony feeling you get when your saliva flow slows. If you feel that, check your breath. You are a prime candidate for bad breath.

5. Medicines

Helpful as they are intended to be, the medicines you take may cause bad breath. Many medications create side effects that dehydrate and lead to dry mouth. Some of these medicines include antihistamines, antidepressants, anticholinergics, anorexiants, antihypertensives, antipsychotics, anti-Parkinson agents, diuretics and sedatives.

6. Smoking

Smoking, especially cigarette smoking, creates a chronic ‘smoker’s breath’. This odour smells of the tobacco and chemicals. The long-term effects are much worse. Researchers found the chemicals and compounds released from smoking lead to dry mouth and reduced salivary flow. Both of these lead to a build-up of bad bacteria which can result in bad breath. Smoking can also lead to periodontal disease and cancers of the mouth. Bad breath would be the least of your problems once these develop.

7. Uncleaned Dentures or Dental Appliances

Retainers, braces, etc can harbour the development of bacterial colonies, yeast infections and mould. Once in the mouth, these can quickly and make every day a battle against bad breath. There are many simple, natural and affordable ways to keep dentures and other removable dental appliances clean. For example, a Hydrogen Peroxide rinse can help kill germs and is the primary ingredient in many name brand denture cleaners.

8. Congestion or Sinus Problems

Illnesses, especially of the sinuses and nose, can create atrociously bad breath. Congestion in the form of nasal mucus or a continuous nasal drip creates a continual food source and breeding ground for unfriendly germs and bacteria. The solution when confronted with illnesses like these, is regular brushing, flossing and a good mouth cleanser. This will help kill the unwanted germs and stimulate the flow of saliva.

9. Acid Reflux

Occasional acid refluxcan cause stomach acids, rotten food and gastro-intestinal bacteria to enter the throat and mouth. In a best case scenario, you may simply need to rinse the mouth. In other cases, those gut bacteria can infect the mouth cavity. Some, like H. pylori, can create a more complex medical situation. Research has found halitosis reported among those who suffer from chronic acid reflux.

10. More Serious Health Problems

Persistent bad breath may reflect a more serious health condition such as diabetes, chronic acid reflux, liver or kidney disorders, and others. Dry mouth is a symptom of many medical conditions. Chronic medical conditions also destabilize your body’s natural balance, leading to an environment ripe for unfriendly bacteria and germs. Some conditions may actually release bad odours through the lungs, and therefore the breath.

11. A Low-Carbohydrate Diet

When you cut out carbohydrates and boost the amount of protein you eat, your body starts burning fat for energy. That process makes compounds called ketones, which cause bad breath. In this case, better dental hygiene won’t solve the problem, since that’s not the root cause. Your best bet is to mask your breath with sugar-free gum.

12. Cracked Teeth and Fillings

These can trap food particles and breed bacteria, resulting in cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. Ill-fitting dentures can cause the same problems. All the more reason to schedule regular dentist appointments.