I brush my teeth every day, but why do I still have bad breath? 5 reasons for bad breath you must know...

Whatever the cause, bad breath can be a real nuisance. It can make you feel self-conscious and is considered a social no-no by many. Whether you think you might need some help freshening up your breath or you’re just curious about the causes of bad breath. This article will help you find out. We’ll look at 5 common causes of bad breath.

There are many possible causes of bad breath, but the good news is that many of them are also easy to fix, like knowing how to use an electric toothbrush properly. So if you follow some of the steps below, you might find that a few simple lifestyle changes can help you get fresh breath that lasts all day.

We spoke to two dentists, Dr. Inna Chern and Dr. Anjali Rajpal, about the main causes of bad breath and how they recommend their patients treat it. Dr. Chern earned her dental degree from Stony Brook University of Dentistry and now practices in New York City. Dr. Rajpal earned her Doctor of Medical Dentistry from Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts, and now practices in Beverly Hills, where she is dedicated to blending the art and science of cosmetic dentistry.

5 Causes of Bad Breath

01 Bacteria

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Dr. Chern tells us that bacteria is one of the main causes of bad breath: "Bad breath is caused by bacteria found in plaque and tartar. When plaque collects around the teeth, it contains bacteria that can cause odor." Maintaining a healthy oral hygiene routine can help keep bacteria in check.

02Fungi

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"The most common culprit for bad breath in the mouth is a buildup of bacteria or fungus on the tongue," says Dr. Rajpal. Oral thrush, or oral candidiasis, is a common fungal infection that can cause bad breath, according to the Mayo Clinic. While thrush is more common in infants or older adults, it can occur at any stage in anyone's life. It can also be caused by taking some medications.

03Dry mouth

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Another major cause of bad breath is dry mouth, Dr. Rajpal told Live Science. Also known as xerostomia, dry mouth occurs when your body doesn't produce enough saliva. This condition has several potential causes: aging, certain medications, nerve damage, and some neurological diseases, such as dementia. Some healthcare providers recommend chewing sugar-free gum or candy to help relieve symptoms and encourage your body to produce more saliva. If other treatments don't work, some medications can help boost saliva production.

Acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), can also cause bad breath. A 2008 study published in the journal of General Internal Medicine found a clear link between the two conditions. The study surveyed patients who experienced reflux to see if they also experienced bad breath. People with GERD may find that their symptoms are triggered by certain lifestyle factors, including eating large meals, eating before bed or while lying down, or even eating specific foods, including acidic or fried foods.

05 Other Health Conditions Dr. Rajpal tells us that bad breath can also be a sign of other health conditions: "Systemic conditions such as sinus problems, tonsil disease, diabetes, lower respiratory tract infections, kidney or liver failure, or cancer can all cause bad breath or halitosis." If you've tried various treatments and still struggle with bad breath, or you have other symptoms, it's time to bring up your concerns with your doctor or dentist. They'll be able to help you get to the root cause of the problem.

5 Causes of Bad Breath Treating bad breath ultimately depends on what's causing the problem. However, there are some general hygiene habits you can follow to help keep your mouth free of odor-causing bacteria. Some lifestyle tweaks and dietary changes may help control bad breath. Dr. Inna Chern recommends taking these general steps to prevent bad breath:

1. Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time

2. Use dental floss or water floss at least once a day

3. Rinse your mouth with mouthwash once or twice a day

4. See your dental care provider twice a year

If good oral hygiene practices haven’t improved your breath, you need to talk to your dentist: a deeper cleaning may be necessary. “A proper hygiene regimen is essential to mechanically remove any soft plaque before it has a chance to mineralize, harden, and attach to the teeth,” explains Dr. Rajpal. “That’s when we as dental professionals need to step in to remove the hardened plaque. Tartar, or calculus. Patients who have a lot of deposits beneath their gums will often complain about bad breath, but will see it disappear after we perform a deep cleaning treatment.”

Your diet also plays a big role in keeping your breath fresh, and it's not just about avoiding foods that contain garlic! "It's important to stay well hydrated and focus on a healthy alkaline diet that's low in carbs and high in crunchy, healthy foods, green vegetables, and probiotics to reduce the ability of bacteria to thrive in the oral environment," explains Dr. Rajpal. Alkaline foods include green vegetables, nuts, citrus fruits, and other whole foods.

Healthcare providers are always available to help with issues like bad breath. Although it's rare, bad breath can be caused by some chronic health problems, such as diabetes or kidney and liver failure. If your dentist suspects your bad breath is not caused by oral hygiene issues, they may recommend that you consult your doctor. Once any underlying health issues are under control, you may find that your breath becomes odorless again.

Source: Live Science "5 causes of bad breath"
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