Factors That Can Place You in Risk of Halitosis

Are you the type of person that the bad breath germs just adore? There are many risk factors for halitosis—that's bad breath in lay terms—and some of these you have a lot of control over. However, in some cases you will have absolutely no control over whether you suffer from halitosis or not.

Who Gets Bad Breath?

Most of people get bad breath, and most people get bad breath on a regular basis. The average person will go through occasional periods of bad breath. Most of us suffer that up and down cycle where our breath is sweeter on some days than on others. Fortunately, most of the time bad breath is merely a potentially embarrassing problem with no serious health consequences. However, even so, there is a strong psychological stigma component to bad breath that may affect some individuals more than others. Although it is less common, there is also a serious medical component to the problem of halitosis. Thus, halitosis is not merely a potentially embarrassing situation. It can also possibly signal some serious underlying medical issues.

How Do You Get Bad Breath?

Bad breath can often seem random. Even if you scrupulously avoided that side of garlic bread at lunch, there you are with a bad case of dragon breath again. What exactly causes some people to suffer from halitosis? There are actually several potential causes for bad breath. Everyone knows that they are bound to experience occasional bouts with bad breath, and that some days will be better than others. Everyone knows that some people are more just more prone to bad breath than others. Bad breath can be caused by poor oral hygiene, diet, stress and many underlying systemic medical conditions.

Lifestyle Choices Affect Your Chances of Getting Halitosis

Of course some people make certain lifestyle choices that may make them more susceptible to suffering from halitosis. For instance, people who consume especially pungent foods will probably notice halitosis more. Known bad breath culprits can include fish, red meat, any kind of oily meat, Brussels sprouts, horse radish, cabbage, garlic (of course), eggs, raw onions, and some peppers. Alcohol, coffee and cigarettes are also linked to bad breath. If you are seriously worried or concerned about your halitosis, you should consider cutting back on the caffeine. Although it can be difficult to give up your morning cup of coffee (or two, or three), it is worth it if you are suffering from chronic and persistent halitosis, as coffee is a known acidic drink that only promotes halitosis. Alcohol consumption is also known to cause halitosis. And it probably goes without saying that smoking cigars or cigarettes are known to cause halitosis, as well as more serious conditions.

Bad Oral Hygiene is the Number One Risk Factor For Halitosis

Without a doubt, the number one risk factor for bad breath is poor oral hygiene. Brushing and flossing on a regular basis is paramount to good mouth health. Invest in a good toothbrush, a good tongue scraper, a spool of unwaxed floss, and be prepared to use all of these good oral care tools on a daily basis.