3 Surprising Culprits Of Bad Breath

Halitosis sufferers are often embarrassed about unpleasant odors that come from their mouth when they exhale. Bad breath, as halitosis is more casually called, is occasionally a symptom of a serious health issue, but the vast majority of cases are simply caused by bacteria on the tongue or below the gumline. In such cases, the good news is that it's fixable once the underlying cause of bad breath is identified. Here are some surprising culprits that may be causing bad breath and the sometimes even more unpleasant embarrassment that comes along with it.

Culprit #1: Insatiable Sweet Tooth

Many people know that sugar is not the most nutritive substance, but most don't realize that the sweet treats they savor can lead to sour breath. However, bacteria thrives on sugars, so sugar-laden beverages and snacks can easily lead to halitosis. If bad breath is a problem, try limiting sugary foods and drinks and increasing your oral healthcare routine. Brushing, flossing, and swishing with a dentist-approved mouthwash can help battle the bad breath risks when you do indulge in sweet treats. Also, try simple tricks like replacing sugar-laden gum with a sugar-free variety and grabbing a bottle of water instead of a can of soda when you need to quench your thirst.

Culprit #2: Dry Mouth

Saliva serves many purposes for your health, and one of the things it does is cleanse your mouth. When someone suffers from dry mouth, they are not getting enough saliva in their mouth. As a result, that cleansing doesn't take place, and the germs that are left in the mouth can leave your breath stinky. Sometimes simple fixes like breathing through your nose, not your mouth, or sucking on sugar-free hard candy can help solve dry mouth issues, but a doctor should be consulted to address dry mouth issues that run deep.

Culprit #3: Medicines

Several medicines have been shown to cause bad breath. Halitosis may be present after taking such popular medications as disulfiram, nitrates, amphetamines, and phenothiazines.. They are among dozens of medications that list bad breath or dry mouth among possible side effects. This is far from the worst side effect, though, and a doctor should be consulted before making any changes to a medication schedule. Medicines that are necessary to treat health problems inevitably have side effects, and bad breath can seem like a small burden to bear for the greater good that the medicine provides.

Finally, keep in mind that halitosis is usually a temporary condition once you eliminate the cause. If you suspect that you have bad breath, discuss the issue with your dentist. The dentist can help determine if your oral health is optimal and offer suggestions based on your unique situation.  

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