8 Surprising Causes of Bad Breath
Has a friend or significant other gently hinted that your breath is, um, pungent? (Many halitosis sufferers can’t tell.) Brushing and flossing more diligently may do the trick, and U.S. News‘s Sarah Baldauf offered other suggestions earlier this year. But a few more minutes at the sink won’t always help, say experts. Here are eight causes of bad breath that may surprise you:
Medications. Saliva rinses away bacteria that foul the breath, and many drugs, among them antidepressants, diuretics, and even aspirin, can dry the mouth.
Bacteria. The stink-creating kind mostly hang out on the tongue, happily churning out gases as they munch on food particles and substances broken down from saliva, and multiply at night, when the salivary glands slow down (hence morning breath). Some people harbor more species of malodorous bacteria than others do, which may be why certain individuals are especially halitosis-prone. This month, a study in the Journal of Medical Microbiology suggests that H. pylori, the same bug that is often responsible for stomach ulcers, can cause bad breath and gum disease if it finds a home in the mouth.
Respiratory tract infections. Tooth and gum infections are recognized sources of bad breath. But so are bronchitis, sinusitis, and even a cold. RTIs break down tissue, starting a flow of cells and mucus that feed bacteria that create foul odors.
Skipping breakfast. Besides the well-established advantages to body and mind of having a good breakfast, it helps quell morning breath by stimulating saliva production and scrubbing bacteria from the tongue. (But lay off the sardine-onion sandwich.)
Diet. Foods high in protein or dairy products generate large amounts of amino acids, which are fodder for bacteria. A diet low in carbs burns stored fat, creating toxic-smelling ketones. And last year, researchers linked bad breath with obesity, although the basis is unclear.
Mouth breathing. Any condition that dries the tissues of the mouth, preventing saliva from washing away bacteria, encourages bad breath. Candidates include sleep apnea, snoring, and asthma.
Ongoing illnesses. A potent breath can signal particular diseases. Kidney failure produces a fishy smell and uncontrolled diabetes generates fruity fumes, for instance.
Alcohol. Heavy alcohol consumption also can dry out the mouth.
Incoming search terms for the article:
- a person has bad breath that comes from the stomach what is the cause of this bad breath?
- no more bad breath and gum disease: how i banished my bad breath and gum disease for life free book
- can you get bad breath from kissing someone with bad breath?
- bad reviews for the bad breath report
- yoghurt- bad news for bad breath
Similar articles
- Anorexia, Your Diet, and Bad Breath
Next time you think about skipping breakfast in the morning, think about the consequences it may have on your breath!  This is one cause of bad breath that is easy to overcome. If you miss breakfast for whatever reason, or if you are anorexic, you extend your morning breath until you
... - Prevent bad morning breath
Prevent bad morning breath Bad morning breath can be prevented by taking some steps to maintain good oral health. Sponsored Links Bad breath is caused by bacteria, usually deriving from the gums and tongue. The problem with morning breath is that there is too much bacteria and not enough saliva. Your mouth doesn’t
... - Bad Breath: 5 Causes and 5 Cures – Page 1
Wondering why your loved ones are giving you more personal space than you’ve asked for? Suspicious about the Altoids left on your desk with dental floss bows? If you’re one of 90 million Americans suffering from chronic bad breath, here are some of the possible causes, as well as remedies to restore your fresh breath—and
... - No More Ketobreath!
Too many dieters accept that they have to live with the intense bad breath nicknamed “ketobreath” if they are to continue losing weight. That’s because they believe that the bad breath is a sign that they are in ketosis and burning off fat. Unfortunately, the bad breath associated with low carbing is a
... - Common Side Effect with Atkins Diet is Bad Breath
While effective in helping to burn calories, a common side effect of the Atkins Diet is bad breath. In fact, nearly two-thirds of dieters following the Atkins plan report bad breath problems—especially during the initial Induction Phase. However, as people progress into latter stages such as Maintenance, many of those who developed bad
...