Sometimes we are in the middle of a conversation, and we get hit by a gush of bad smell. It isn’t the tuna sandwich you ate for lunch, but it’s someone’s breath that stinks. Bad breath might mean something about our health is not right.
To get rid of bad breath we first need to know what’s causing it. It’s not like we eat garlic bread every evening, right? It’s usually those small things we ignore like how we brush our teeth every day or what we eat. Anyway, let’s discuss its causes.
1) Poor Oral Hygiene
Life can be very hectic nowadays. Some mornings, we prefer staying in bed for a few more minutes than waking up earlier to brush and floss. Our oral cavity is like a miniature ecosystem. Like in other ecosystems, any disruptions can cause issues. Similarly, any changes in the oral cavity can lead to many health issues.
When we skip brushing or flossing, it is like inviting bacteria into our oral cavity. These microscopic bacteria love to break down food in our mouths. The breath resembles the smell of rotten eggs making our breath turn stinky.
Poor oral hygiene will lead to other issues, like cavities, gum diseases, and tooth loss. Now, a little pro tip: consider how you're breathing when catching those extra naps. During the same time, mouth-breathing will dry your mouth out. You can read our previous blog Mouth Taping: Everything You Need to Know for more details on mouth-breathing.
2) Dry Mouth
You know, sometimes it feels like you have been talking for hours in the middle of the Sahara? Dry mouth is like that. It creates an annoying sensation but has deeper implications than this.
Saliva is the unsung hero of our mouths. When saliva production comes down, things could go south quite fast. Not having enough saliva makes our mouths quite a playground for bacteria.
Side effects from some medications include dry mouth. It can be a side effect of health conditions like diabetes and Sjogren's syndrome. If you are a mouth breather during sleep try using mouth-taping. Ways to treat it exist, such as using products promoting nasal breathing. Heard of Breathefix mouth tape? It works for many. For more details on mouth breathing read our previous article Mouth Tape for Snorers: Does It Actually Work?
Another product that affects oral health is tobacco. It has been around for ages, and while it may seem cool for some, it's anything but cool for our breath.
3) Tobacco Products
When it comes to your mouth, tobacco acts like that unwelcome visitor who leaves a trail of mess. Well, first off, it does stain those white teeth. Who wants their smile screaming, "I love coffee and cigarettes,"? But it's not about aesthetics alone. Tobacco messes with our saliva flow. Less saliva from smoking means a drier mouth.
Tobacco products are very harmful. These chemicals are responsible for the stinky breath. They can also inflame your gums and cause major oral health problems in the long run.
4) Diet and Foods
This one's for the foodies. We all have those go-to comfort foods like a killer Italian meal only to find out you're exhaling garlic like a dragon.
First let's talk about the usual culprits: garlic, onions, and spicy foods. They contain compounds that get stuck not only in our mouths but also in our bloodstream. They get transported to the lungs, so even after brushing, you still have bad breath.
You don’t need to abandon your favorite foods. But be careful of what you eat, especially before social functions, or a big date. It allows one to avoid certain awkward situations. Health issues can sometimes affect your breath, which isn't about what you eat. This brings us to one of those topics most people don't usually consider:
5) Medical Conditions
Sometimes, bad breath doesn't relate to the onion bagel that you ate at breakfast. Sometimes, it is a sign that something serious is happening with your body. You should regard it because our breath gives us clues about what goes on in our bodies.
- Had a cold or sinus infection, and your breath just got bad? Maybe that's because the bacteria causing the infection can also produce foul-smelling compounds. Plus, all that mucus—sorry for the visual—can be a breeding ground for more bacteria. Even mouth breathing when you have respiratory illnesses can cause bad breath. For more information on mouth-breathing and its solutions read Mouth Taping: Everything You Need to Know.
- It is a condition in which stomach acids flow backward into the esophagus. The result is gas going up the stomach, smelling right inside your mouth.
- If uncontrolled, diabetes can cause something called ketoacidosis. When you do not have enough insulin to enable sugar entry into the cell. Your body starts breaking down fat for energy. Ketones can give off a fruity smell on the breath or a bit like nail polish remover
- Kidneys filter poisons that enter our body. When they start to shut down, this causes a buildup giving rise to fishy or ammonia-like breath.
- A malfunctioning liver causes the blood levels of certain compounds to rise. It gives a musty or sweet odor to breathe.
Conclusion
Every breath we take says something about who we are and what we are going through. Bad breath can get you stuck in embarrassing situations, so it is better to get rid of it. Bad breath alone could be a symptom of a lot of diseases but always remember that it is only one of the many signs. Do you have chronic bad breath? Consult a healthcare professional. They will give you insights, do some tests, and help you.
