Bad breath, or halitosis, is an unpleasant smell coming from the mouth. Halitosis can occur occasionally, or it can be a chronic condition. It may be caused by the foods a person eats, poor oral hygiene, diseases and several other factors. There are many risk factors and causes for halitosis, and even healthy people have bad breath on certain occasions. Some common causes of halitosis include the following:
Food:
Food is a primary source of bad odour that come from the mouth. Some foods, such as garlic, onions, spicy foods, exotic spices (such as curry), some cheeses, fish, and acidic beverages such as coffee can leave a lingering smell. Most of the time the odour is short lived. Other foods may get stuck in the teeth, promoting the growth of bacteria and dental plaques, which causes bad breath and mouth odour.
• Tobacco products:
Smoking and chewing tobacco can leave chemicals that remain in the mouth. Smoking can also precipitate other bad-breath causes such as gum disease and oral cancers.
• Poor oral health:
When a person does not brush or floss his/her teeth regularly, food particles remaining in the mouth can rot and cause bad odour. Poor dental care can lead to a buildup of plaque in the mouth, which causes an odour of its own
• Dry mouth:
Also called xerotoma, can also cause bad breath. Saliva helps moisten and cleanse the mouth, and when the body does not produce enough saliva, bad breath may occur.
BY STEPHANIE ERDOO HEMEN
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