What Causes Bad Breath, and How to Get Rid of It?

Billions have bad-mouthed bacteria. But did you know “Streptococcus Salivarius is the good guy,” also known to guard your bright smile & healthy mouth with good bacteria?

You have to take the bad with the good.

Did you ever wonder what these harmful bacteria do to you? They are toxic for your teeth and leave you with bad breath.

Many people go through this condition at least once in their lifetime. For some, it is at a chronic stage where they are uneasy about sharing their experience.

Bad breath, medically called “Halitosis,” results from poor dental health or other health problems. It gets worse when clubbed with unhealthy lifestyle habits and consuming meals containing onion, garlic, dairy products, canned fish, and horseradish.

The root problem might be right under your nose–in your mouth, where 90% of bad breath issues originate.

Every smell is the consequence of your underlying condition. The odor-producing harmful bacteria release volatile sulfur compounds(VSCs). They are smelly, making our breath foul when food and protein break down. Be more aware and know the real problem to find the right solution.

Types of odors and what they mean

Sweet or Fruity Smell –

A low-carb diet and an unmanaged diabetes condition called diabetic ketoacidosis are majorly responsible for the sweet or fruity smell of your breath.

Rotten Smell –

Various conditions cause this, including-

Abscess or infection in mouth, throat, or lungs
Ill-fitting of dentures, crowns, and orthodontic devices
Old food and bacterial growth
Untreated gum disease
Cavities, ulcers, lesions, and fistulas in the mouth

Sour Smell –

A common digestive disorder, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), is the leading cause of a sour smell. Partially digested contents of your stomach can reach up to your esophagus, throat, and mouth.

The Smell of Acetone –

When your body burns stored fats instead of carbs, you experience the smell of acetone on your breath. Diabetes is also one of the reasons behind that smell.

The Smell of Ammonia or Urine –

When kidneys don’t function perfectly, it is likely to reflect on your breath with the smell of ammonia or urine. In this situation, the kidney can’t expel enough nitrogen, and chemicals build up in your body. This condition is known as azotemia.

The Smell of Feces –

When there is a blockage in the flow of waste through the intestines, your breath also starts to smell like feces, and you feel bloated, nauseated, and constipated.

Musty Smell –

When your liver doesn’t work correctly, or you’re a cirrhosis patient, it produces volatile organic compounds (VOCs) with dimethyl sulfide, giving a distinctive musty smell.

The Smell of Maple Syrup –

When your body can digest three types of amino acids (leucine, isoleucine, and valine), you are likelier to be diagnosed with maple syrup urine disease.

The Smell of Sweaty Feet –

Your body must break down proteins into amino acids. If it can’t, it can cause your breath to take one of the distinctive smells of sweaty feet.

Fishy Smell –

Your breath and other bodily fluids get fishy when your body can’t break down an organic compound named trimethylamine.

Causes of bad breath

Food

Food gets absorbed into your bloodstream and further moves to the lungs. The breakdown of food particles in your mouth can cause an unpleasant odor. Besides, foods like onions and garlic can have a lasting smell in the mouth.

Tobacco Products

Cigarettes, cigars, and hookahs have tobacco content which is highly responsible for that foul odor. Smoking is harmful to an individual, and it adds up with a pungent smell. Oral tobacco is even likely the cause of gum diseases which in turn become the reason for bad breath.

Dry Mouth

Saliva is a natural mouth cleanser that prevents a foul odor. Due to the lack of moisture, you experience a dry mouth. It gets worse when you sleep with your mouth open. Some people suffer from a chronic illness called xerostomia, where there is no salivary gland function or saliva production. All these can cause you to experience bad breath.

Poor Dental Hygiene

If brushing and flossing are not a part of your dental routine, a colorless, sticky film of bacteria ‘plaque’ can form over your teeth. It is the primary reason for bad breath. It can irritate and eventually affect your gums, leading to a dental issue called periodontitis. It is essential to clean the impurities and leftovers stuck in your teeth.

Infections In Your Mouth & Other Causes

Surgical wounds from oral surgery, tooth removal, tooth decay, gum disease, or mouth sores can also affect your breath negatively. Some cancers and metabolic disorders, such as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), are strictly associated with bad breath.

Nose, Mouth & Throat Conditions

Could small stones named tonsils cause a nasty odor? Yes, they are the breeding ground of bacteria. Even inflammation in the nose or throat in the form of a sinus can worsen the smell with post-nasal drip.

Medications

Some medications can indirectly affect breath as they produce chemicals that the body takes time to break down. A dry mouth and medicines together aggravate the problem of bad breath.

Ways to prevent and treat bad breath effectively

Quit Tobacco

Smoking cigarettes and chewing tobacco can increase the possibility of bad breath. Quitting can improve your breath and guard against lung, throat, and mouth cancers and periodontal disease.

Drink a Lot of Water

Stay hydrated as it will keep your mouth moist, preventing you from having a dry mouth, which causes bad breath. Stimulate your saliva production by chewing sugarless gum and sucking on sugarless candy. Gums and mints containing xylitol are best for battling unpleasant breath.

Practice Good Oral Hygiene

Brush twice and floss daily for good oral hygiene. Mouthwashes are also effective in killing bacteria. Especially the fluoride-rich ones help in protecting your teeth and gums from decay.

Regular Dental Check-ups

A dentist can always help you isolate the cause of your tooth problems. Visit them frequently to achieve your healthy mouth and teeth goals. Prevent any plaque buildup by visiting your dentist twice a year.