Updated on STAY HEALTHY

Where does bad breath come from?

We have all had to deal with bad breath (halitosis) – bad breath in the morning, for example, or after eating garlic. Bad breath is a delicate topic that no one likes to talk about. It can lead to uncertainty and stress, especially in social situations.

Here are the most common causes of bad breath and some medical tips on what you can do about bad breath.

What is the main cause of bad breath?

“The cause of bad breath is usually in the mouth itself. Bacteria in our oral cavity, on our tongue and in the throat play a central role. These bacteria are useful because they break down food residues. But this can produce volatile sulfur compounds that cause unpleasant odors,” explains Dr. Nikki Ramskill, general practitioner at Med-Healths.

Certain lifestyle habits, illnesses and odorous foods can lead to bad breath because they stimulate these bacteria to produce odors. But if you maintain a healthy oral flora, you can prevent bad breath.

If you often suffer from bad breath, this could also be an indication of a dental problem or other diseases. Get medical or dental advice depending on your symptoms.

8 Possible Causes of Bad Bad Breath

1. Strong-smelling foods

Foods like garlic, onions, chives, and spices can cause bad breath. Garlic and onions are part of the same vegetable family. They contain sulfur-containing compounds that give them their flavor.

“Once these foods are digested, their components enter the bloodstream and thus into the air we breathe, causing the breath to start to smell bad,” explains Dr.ram skill

2. Gingivitis

“If you have persistent bad breath, it could also indicate gum disease. Gingivitis can lead to bad breath because plaque builds up at the gumline,” explains Dr.ram RAM Skill

If food particles are not removed regularly, certain bacteria that cause bad breath can multiply.

3. Dry mouth

If there is not enough saliva, our mouth feels dry. The saliva cleans the oral cavity by removing bacteria and food debris. Therefore, a dry mouth promotes bad odors.

Because the salivary glands produce less saliva at night, many people have bad breath in the morning.

“Halitosis can also be a side effect of some medications, such asBirth Control Pills, certain antidepressants, or sleeping pills. It can also be triggered byalcohol , stress or lack of Fluids (dehydration),” explains Dr.ram skill

4. Certain diseases

Certain medical conditions can affect the respiratory tract and possibly also affect the smell of breath. These include:

“Diabetescan also affect the breath. Diabetes increases the level of glucose in saliva, which promotes the growth of certain bacteria and thus leads to bad breath. Gum disease and tooth decay can also be the result,” says Dr. Ramskill.

5. Acid reflux (acid regurgitation)

“Halitosis is a common symptom ofHeartburn , acid regurgitation, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This is because stomach contents — including stomach acid, bile, and undigested food — flow back up into the esophagus. This can lead to a bitter or sour taste in the mouth,” explains Dr.ram skill

Bad breath can also be caused by a type of bacteria called Helicobacter pylori, which can lead to inflammation of the lining of the Stomach (gastritis). If you don’t normally have bad breath and you haven’t eaten anything that’s causing the acid reflux, you should seek medical advice. Your doctor can order astool test to detect these bacteria.

6. Diets

A low-carb diet and fasting can also result in breath that smells distinctly fruity or acetone (nail polish remover). This is because the body starts burning fat instead of carbohydrates for energy. This creates so-called ketones, which are released into the air we breathe.

Dry mouth can also occur in the early stages of a diet as the body loses water.

7. Poor dental hygiene

Perhaps the most common reason for bad breath, especially in children, is poor dental hygiene. Failure to brush and floss teeth daily can lead to an excessive build-up of bacteria between the teeth and on the gums, causing bad breath. These bacteria can also lead to gum disease and tooth decay.

8. Smoking

“Tobacco not only stains teeth and irritates gums, it can also cause bad breath. When you smoke, the chemicals in cigarettes stick to the surface of your teeth and gums, leading to more sulphur-releasing bacteria,” explains Dr.ram skill

What to do about bad breath?

No matter what causes the bad breath – luckily there are some effective tricks and home remedies that ensure fresh breath. drRamskill recommends the following:

  • Chew fresh herbs:

Mint or parsley binds unpleasant odors when you chew them after a meal.

  • Thorough oral hygiene:

Gently brush your teeth and gums with a fluoride toothpaste for 2 minutes at least twice a day.

  • Using Dental Floss and Tongue Scraper:

In addition to brushing your teeth, using dental floss and a tongue scraper is also part of perfect oral hygiene. At least once a day, clean between your teeth with an interdental brush or dental floss, and gently brush your tongue with a tongue scraper. Brushing the tongue in a criss-cross pattern can also eliminate bad breath.

  • Do not rinse your mouth immediately:

Don’t rinse your mouth immediately after brushing your teeth. The fluoride in the toothpaste is diluted and cannot develop its protective effect if it is rinsed out too quickly. Also, do not eat or drink anything for 30 minutes after using a fluoride mouthwash.

  • To chew bubble gum:

Chew sugar-free gum between meals. This can also prevent dry mouth as it stimulates the salivary glands.

Changing some lifestyle habits can also help with bad breath:

  • Drink plenty of water:

This keeps your mouth from getting dry and flushes away food debris between routine brushing.

  • Stop smoking:

This prevents yellowing of the teeth and also ensures fresher breath.

  • Less sugar:

Sugary foods and drinks are the ideal breeding ground for acid-forming bacteria. If you do without sweets, you prevent tooth decay and damage to the tooth structure.

  • Go to the dentist regularly:

Regular visits to the dentist help keep your mouth healthy and prevent dental problems.

When should I go to the doctor for bad breath?

“If these remedies don’t have a lasting effect or don’t work at all, there’s probably another reason for bad breath,” explains Dr.ram skill

Do I consult a doctor if

  • the bad breath does not go away even after several weeks of self-treatment,
  • the bad breath is associated with other symptoms such as acid regurgitation, or
  • you are taking medications that may cause bad breath.

Darrick Robles

I was born with the vocation of being a doctor. I have worked in public health centers in California and Washington, ​​in social projects in low-income countries, and in pioneering private centers in integrative medicine. Currently, I am the founder and medical director of the social enterprise Med-Healths, in which I combine my medical care work with giving conferences on health and well-being in business and social environments.