Mouth Infections That Cause Bad Breath

There is no shortage of breath mints, chewing gums or oral rinses that promise to get rid of halitosis or more commonly referred to as bad breath. But rather than blaming your chronically bad breath on the onions that you had on your burger or the high protein diet you are on, a mouth infection can be the cause of your foul-smelling mouth.

By not practicing healthy oral hygiene practices like brushing and flossing your teeth, food remains in between your teeth where bacteria collects and consequently gives off a malodorous odor. If these particles are not brushed away, they form into plaque which settles in between your teeth and along your gum line. Over time, plaque irritates the gums and forms into gingivitis, a common mouth infection. Over time this common mouth infection gives way to a more serious infection known as periodontitis. In the case of periodontal disease, a bacterium naturally found in the mouth interacts with the plaque and produces toxins that affect the gum line. This in turn produces a foul-smelling odor that is one of the cornerstone symptoms of gum infections.

Yeast infections in the mouth which often occur in newborn babies or those with compromised immune systems can also cause bad breath. The best preventive measures for oral thrush are rinsing the mouth, eating fresh yogurt with live active cultures and limited sugary and yeast-containing foods. Other dental problems associated with bad breath are dry mouth, ill-fitting dentures, cavities and tooth decay. It is always better to know the cause of the problem to get the appropriate treatment.