Occasional bad breath can be attributed to strong smelling foods. However, regular and persistent bad breath can be a symptom of an underlying dental problem. Chronic bad breath is known as halitosis. Here are some causes of bad breath.
The mouth is the opening that leads to the entire digestive system. Sometimes bad breath can be linked to bad digestion. Constipation can cause foul smelling gases to rise from the digestive tract, through the oesophagus into the oral cavity.
Another more common cause of bad breath is decay in the mouth. Bacteria that are normally present in the mouth start the process of breaking down any residual food particles in the mouth. This can cause bad odour and can also lead to tooth decay and gum problems. Gum and teeth hygeine is therefore vital.
Saliva plays a very important role in the mouth. It breaks down carbohydrates and also keeps the mouth moist and clean. Having an excessively dry mouth can result in bad breath. Smoking can cause a dry mouth. Respiratory infections like sinusitis or flu can result in bad breath as well.
Bad breath is not a condition in itself but a symptom of an underlying condition. To prevent the recurrence of bad breath it is important to treat the root cause.