What causes bad breath?

Bad breath, or halitosis, can be a major problem, especially when you're about to snuggle with your sweetie or whisper a joke to your friend. But have you ever wondered what's the reason behind it? Experts answer your questions and lay down the reason that causes bad breath Bad breath is caused by odour-producing bacteria that grow in the mouth. When you don't brush and floss regularly, bacteria accumulate on the bits of food left in your mouth and between your teeth. The sulphur compounds released by these bacteria make your breath smell. Certain foods, especially ones like garlic and onions that contain pungent oils, can contribute to bad breath because the oils are carried to your lungs and out through your mouth. Smoking is also a major cause of bad breath. Morning breath Practically everyone has a degree of halitosis first thing in the morning. When we sleep, saliva flow drastically reduces while your tongue and cheeks move very little. This allows food residues to stagnate in the mouth dead cells to accumulate that would normally be shed from the surface of your tongue, gums and the inside of the cheeks. As bacteria in your mouth start to work on and breakdown these residues, they generate an unpleasant smell. Although normal, anyone with nasal congestion who mouth-breathes at night is more likely to be affected. Morning breath usually disappears after breakfast and daily brushing, because saliva starts to flow again and any leftover residues are washed away and swallowed. Occasional bad breath The most common causes of occasional halitosis include smoking cigarettes or cigars, drinking alcohol or eating certain foods. Culprits that are often to blame include onions, garlic, curries, cured foods like salami and cooked foods like kippers. Smoking also reduces the flow of saliva in its own right and so worsens bad breath. Crash dieting or fasting can also lead to halitosis. When the body no longer has a supply of carbohydrates, it first breaks down glucose stored in the muscles and liver. After a few hours, the body begins to break down its fat stores. The waste products of their metabolism, known as ketones, give breath a distinctive sweet and sickly smell. You can smell this on the breath of anyone who has vigorously exercised but who hasn't eaten enough carbohydrates before or after their workout. People on strict high-protein diets experience the same effect for similar reasons. However, bad breath can be controlled and gotten rid of if you maintain proper oral hygene and brush your teeth at least twice a day. There are lots of myths about taking care of bad breath. Here are three things you may have heard about bad breath that are not true: 1. If you breathe into your hand, you'll know when you have bad breath. Wrong! When you breathe, you don't use your throat the same way you do when you talk. When you talk, you tend to bring out the odours from the back of your mouth (where bad breath originates), which simply breathing doesn't do. Also, because we tend to get used to our own smells, it's hard for a person to tell if he or she has bad breath. 2. If you're concerned about bad breath, make sure you're taking care of your teeth and mouth properly. Some sugar-free gums and mints can temporarily mask odours, too. 3. If you brush and floss properly and visit your dentist for regular cleanings, but your bad breath persists, you may have a medical problem like sinusitis or gum disease. Call your doctor or dentist if you suspect a problem. They can figure out if something else is behind your bad breath and help you take care of it.