Amelia Grant

Having a bad breath isn’t life-threatening but can cause a lot of discomfort. This issue is embarrassing and may even cause anxiety in some cases. Many people consider using gum and mouthwash to deal with bad breath. But these measures often give only a temporary result and don’t eliminate the root cause. To treat bad breath completely, it is important to find out and address the cause of the problem. 

Below are 10 things that can cause bad breath. 

1. Having tooth decay

Having tooth decay is a common cause of bad breath. Tooth decay develops when bacteria accumulate in your mouth and erodes the enamel. Over time, the bacteria get deeper inside the tooth causing cavities. Those cavities can cause your bad breath. Foods and bacteria that are stuck in this hole start producing unpleasant smells over time. It is important to visit an experienced dentist if you think you have tooth decay. 

2. Eating smelly foods

You probably know that eating some smelly foods like garlic and onions can cause a stinky smell from your mouth. But there are other products that can cause bad breathing. The culprits of your bad breath can include spices, cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and radishes. These foods have a  strong and unpleasant scent that can cause foul odor from your mouth. 

3. Having high blood sugar

High blood sugar is another common cause of bad breath. People with diabetes may get a condition called diabetic ketoacidosis. This is when your breath develops a sweet and almost sugary unpleasant scent. Diabetic ketoacidosis is a life-threatening health condition that can indicate a heart attack or kidney failure. If you have diabetes and experience this symptom along with muscle stiffness, nausea, or frequent urination, seek emergency medical help. 

4. Taking meds that cause dry mouth

Some medications can decrease the production of saliva, causing dry mouth. Dry mouth is associated with bacteria and plaque build-up in your mouth. All these can contribute to bad breath and raise your risk of other dental problems. Some of the common medications that can dry out your mouth include antidepressants, decongestants, antihistamines, diuretics, and heart medications.

5. Not eating the whole day

Skipping meals all day long can also cause bad breath. When you don’t eat, your salivary glands produce less saliva. Saliva is important because it helps clean your mouth of food particles and bacteria. Lack of saliva results in bacteria accumulation in your mouth. Over time, this causes an unpleasant odor from your mouth. 

6. Having a heartburn

Many cases of unpleasant bad breath are associated with heartburn. In this condition, the content of your stomach leaks up into the esophagus. While this content itself has an unpleasant smell, its high acidity can damage throat and mouth tissues, producing bad breath. 

7. Smoking

Bad breath is another dental health condition related to smoking. Smoking increases the amount of odor-causing compounds in your mouth and lungs, causing bad breath. Besides, tobacco smoking is a major risk factor for a condition called dry mouth, when your salivary glands don’t produce enough saliva. As you already know, lack of saliva causes the accumulation of bacteria and foul odor in your mouth. 

8. Drinking alcohol

Drinking alcohol can also cause bad breath. First, it dries out your mouth making it prone to bacteria and food particle accumulation. Second, while metabolizing alcohol, your body produces chemicals that have a foul odor. Both of these things can trigger bad breath, even the next day after drinking alcohol. 

9. Having  gum disease

Persistent bad breath and unpleasant taste in your mouth can be a symptom of gum disease. This condition is caused by a build-up of bacteria and plaque in your mouth. Bacteria produce toxins that irritate your gums and trigger bad breath. 

10. Practicing poor oral hygiene

Poor dental hygiene is a major risk factor for bad breath. Neglecting regular teeth brushing and flossing, can cause excess bacteria and food particles to accumulate in your mouth. The waste produced by bacteria and food particle putrefaction causes bad breath. Over time, poor oral hygiene can lead to more serious problems than bad breath.