Whether it’s morning breath, coffee breath, or wine breath, it’s bad breath and it’s pretty gross. But, halitosis is also a very common problem, and we are all guilty of inflicting it upon our coworkers or spouses at one time or another.

Let’s talk about what causes halitosis so that we can get rid of it once and for all.

Five Main Causes of Bad Breath

So, what causes bad breath? We can think of five things that directly contribute to halitosis.

1. Food particles that are not brushed away with a toothbrush or floss can cause an unsavory odor in your mouth.
2. Infections or inflammation in your mouth and sinuses can cause your breath to be less than pleasant because of postnasal drip.
3. Dry mouth, otherwise known as xerostomia, leaves your mouth with less saliva than is needed to keep bacteria from sticking to your teeth.
4. Medications can contribute to bad breath by causing the dry mouth in the first place.
5. Tobacco is a no-no in general, and it certainly won’t help you keep your breath fresh.

Now that we understand what causes bad breath, we can work to eliminate it! Regular brushing, flossing, and rinsing helps curb bad breath before it starts, but sometimes things like allergy medications or nasal inflammation interfere as well.

If you are trying to decide between mints or gum, the truth is that mints only mask the smell. Gum, on the other hand, helps you produce the saliva that you need to keep your breath fresh.

Breathe Easier

If you notice your mouth is more dry than usual, opt for sugar-free throat drops. Cavities, like bad breath, are not fun at all!

If this blog post was helpful to you, I think you’ll find our recent post about allergy season equally helpful.

~Dr. Marea White