Authoritative Answers for the Common Question: What Causes Bad Breath?

Bad breath of halitosis is almost inevitable to a degree. Not everyone is aware that they suffer from the problem, but it would be extremely rare if not impossible to escape for all time without ever having an episode of this embarrassing problem. More than the problem itself is the worry that you may have this issue, without friends and acquaintances to tell you about it. Therefore, it is common to wonder what causes bad breath, even if no one has mentioned the subject of late. It is comparatively easy to keep the matter under control with a basic understanding of what causes bad breath.

Onions and garlic are the most common examples of foods with such strong odors that they remain on one's breath for a long time. Brushing teeth and using mouth fresheners may offer no more than temporary relief, because traces find their way in to exhaled breath from blood, after the ingredients have been digested. However, these kinds of aromatic foods have become so notorious that many people now avoid them as much as possible. They may still ask what causes bad breath since there are other causes for halitosis apart from smelly foods. Left over food particles are common reasons, as they rot in the mouth after getting stuck between teeth. The mouth could also harbor some types of bacteria which cause bad breath. Finally, certain medical conditions such as ketosis may be responsible for a foul smell on one's breath.

Simple Solutions to the Question: What Causes Bad Breath?

Since there is no single reason for halitosis, it is best to consult a doctor to uncover the primary reason in each separate case. A regular dental check-up should uncover whether any aspect of oral health is responsible for lingering foul odors, while blood tests can establish systemic answers to the vexed question of what causes bad breath. Halitosis could be a result of a potentially serious condition, so medical evaluation of the problem is always a good idea. However, you need not wait until you get a dental or a doctor's appointment, to take action on learning that there is a bad smell in your mouth, for there are effective steps that you can safely take on your own.

Good habits should be adequate to treat halitosis if one is in a normal state of health. Tobacco smells at least as much as food with pungent aromas, so staying away from all these influences pays off handsomely in terms of clean and fresh breath. Regular brushing and flossing may sound like advice for children, but it is surprising how many adults need regular reminders!