Top Bad Breath Culprits – What's Causing Your Halitosis?

A little knowledge can go a long way, and this old adage is especially true when it comes to finding the top bad breath culprits. There are many known causes when it comes to halitosis, otherwise known as bad breath. Causes can range from that spicy bowl of garlic noodles that you slurped down at lunch, or your bad breath can be due to the presence of a serious underlying medical condition. But what are the top bad breath culprits? Here they are for your understanding.

Dry Mouth – One of the Top Bad Breath Culprits

A dry mouth is breeding ground for bacteria and the gunk that causes bad breath. Dry mouth is a condition that is also medically known as xerostomia. Dry mouth is a condition that can come about when the mouth is not producing enough saliva. The saliva glands are a very important part of good oral health. This is because saliva is a very important part of keeping a mouth healthy and clean.

Why Is Saliva So Important in the Oral Cavity?

Why is saliva so important? Saliva is important because it helps remove excess food debris and particles in the mouth that may have been left behind, even after rigorous brushing. There are many potential causes for dry mouth. Dry mouth can come about due to problems with the salivary gland. Nasal problems, including sinusitis, sinus infections and mouth breathing can lead to problems of chronic dry mouth. If you suffer from dry mouth, it is almost a given that you will suffer from some kind of chronic halitosis problem.

Do You Have Dry Mouth?

How do you know if you have dry mouth? In most cases, you will know. But if you are curious, you will be able to detect the signs as a dry and sticky feeling in your mouth. You may also feel a frequent thirsty feeling that is persistent. In more serious cases of dry mouth, you may even experience sores in your mouth. Some dry mouth patients may also feel that your throat is dry or burning. In some cases, dry mouth patients may even experience a raw or extra red tongue.

The Usual Suspects – Food Culprits that Will Turn Your Sweet Breath Sour

When it comes to finding out what is causing your bad breath, turn to what is on your dinner plate. It is no grand secret that your breath probably smells like what you have just finished eating. The usual bad breath suspects include garlic, onions, and foods that are high in protein. Fish and beef, for instance, are well known for their bad breath causing odors. When food becomes absorbed into your bloodstream, it then moves down into the lungs, where it is then expelled through the mouth. This means, of course, that the air you breathe will reflect what you have eaten. Certain diets have also been known to promote bad breath. Low-carb diets, for instance, have been known to produce ketone chemicals. These are chemicals that are released when the body does not have excessive carbohydrates to burn.