What causes bad breath?

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What causes bad breath?
Has a friend or significant other gently hinted
that your breath is, um, pungent? (Many halitosis
sufferers can't tell.) Brushing and flossing more
diligently may do the trick, and U.S. News's
Sarah Baldauf offered other suggestions earlier
this year. But a few more minutes at the sink
won't always help, say experts. Here are eight
causes of bad breath that may surprise you
Halitosis causes
Medications. Salivary rinses away bacteria that
foul the breath, and many drugs, among them
antidepressants, diuretics, and even aspirin, can
dry the mouth.
Bad breath cure
Bacteria . The stink-creating kind mostly hang
out on the tongue, happily churning out gases as
they munch on food particles and substances
broken down from saliva, and multiply at night,
when the salivary glands slow down (hence morning
breath). Some people harbor more species of
malodorous bacteria than others do, which may be
why certain individuals are especially
halitosis-prone. This month, a study in the
Journal of Medical Microbiology suggests that H.
pylori, the same bug that is often responsible
for stomach ulcers, can cause bad breath and gum
disease if it finds a home in the mouth.
Respiratory tract infections. Tooth and gum
infections are recognized sources of bad breath.
But so are bronchitis, sinusitis, and even a
cold. RTIs break down tissue, starting a flow of
cells and mucus that feed bacteria that create
foul odors.
Skipping breakfast. Besides the well-established
advantages to body and mind of having a good
breakfast, it helps quell morning breath by
stimulating saliva production and scrubbing
bacteria from the tongue. (But lay off the
sardine-onion sandwich.)
Diet. Foods high in protein or dairy products
generate large amounts of amino acids, which are
fodder for bacteria. A diet low in carbs burns
stored fat, creating toxic-smelling ketones. And
last year,researchers linked bad breath with
obesity, although the basis is unclear.
Mouth breathing. Any condition that dries the
tissues of the mouth, preventing saliva from
washing away bacteria, encourages bad breath.
Candidates include sleep apnea, snoring, and
asthma.
Ongoing illnesses. A potent breath can signal
particular diseases. Kidney failure produces a
fishy smell and uncontrolled diabetes generates
fruity fumes, for instance.
Alcohol. Heavy alcohol consumption also can dry
out the mouth. Please visit our website for more
info.