A New York Dentist Examines the Causes of Halitosis

Bad breath aka halitosis can be embarrassing. Get the facts about the causes of halitosis so that you can freshen your breath and get back your confidence. Below, a New York dentist outlines 5 of the top causes of halitosis. If you have chronic bad breath and are seeking relief, talk to your dentist about what may be the source of the problem.

Causes of Halitosis Outlined by a New York Dentist

1. Food – Certain foods contain oils that cause bad breath. Two great examples are onions and garlic. Ever notice that when you eat a garlic bagel or put onions on your sandwich, that you never seem to get rid of that taste in your mouth. Well that is because these foods contain oils that when digested are absorbed into your bloodstream, carried to your lungs, and given off in your breath until the foods are eliminated from your body.
   
2. Dental Problems – One of the main causes of halitosis is poor dental hygiene. If you don’t brush and floss daily, food particles remain in your mouth, collecting bacteria that produce chemicals, such as hydrogen sulfide — the same compound that gives rotten eggs their distinctive odor!
3. Dry Mouth – Saliva helps clean your mouth; therefore a lack of saliva can be one of the causes of halitosis. One example is Xerostomia, a condition in which the production of saliva is decreased. At night, saliva production is naturally decreased which leads to morning breath. This can be an even larger problem if you sleep with your mouth open. Ever notice extra plaque build up when you have a stuffed-up nose?
4. Diseases – Sometimes the causes of halitosis do not come from the mouth. For instance, some cancers and metabolic disorders can cause bad breath due to the chemicals they produce. Also, some medications – for example those used to treat high blood pressure, psychiatric conditions, or urinary problems – may have side effects that cause dry mouth and indirectly cause bad breath. Additionally, some medications when broken down in your body release chemicals that can be carried on your breath.
5. Tobacco – Smoking dries out your mouth, which causes bad breath. Not to mention, tobacco users are more likely to get periodontal disease, which is another source of bad breath. Now that you know tobacco is one of the causes of halitosis, you’ve got just one more reason to quit smoking!

If you are interested in more information about the causes of halitosis, call our dentist offices in NYC today and talk to a New York Dentist!