When you brush your teeth, you prevent the buildup of bacteria on decaying food particles that can get stuck on your teeth or gums. These bacteria produce sulfur compounds that can lead to bad breath, especially if they don’t get brushed away.
But brushing your teeth doesn’t always remedy bad breath. If the underlying cause isn’t in your mouth or if it’s related to mouth dryness, brushing may not get rid of it.
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Let’s look at some of the reasons that bad breath may linger even after you’ve brushed your teeth well.
Cavities and gum disease
The bacteria that cause bad breath can hide in cavities in your teeth. This makes it difficult to get rid of the bacteria when you’re brushing your teeth because it’s hidden in places that you can’t reach.
Similarly, these bacteria can hide in deep pockets caused by gum disease.
Dry mouth
Your saliva plays many roles in your mouth. It helps break down the food in your mouth and also helps you chew, swallow, and speak.
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Additionally, it keeps the bacteria in your mouth at a manageable level, washes food particles out of your mouth, and keeps your mouth hydrated.
When your saliva glands don’t produce enough saliva, it can cause dry mouth. Dry mouth can result in more bacteria buildup on your teeth. This can cause bad breath and also increases your risk for tooth decay and gum disease.
Many types of medications, tobacco use, and alcohol use can lead to increased mouth dryness.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
GERD, or chronic acid reflux, is a digestive disorder that causes your stomach contents to flow backward into your esophagus.
The regurgitation of undigested food and stomach acid can be a cause of bad breath. GERD can also cause heartburn and a sour or bitter taste in your mouth.
Underlying health conditions
A number of underlying health conditions can lead to bad breath. The reason for this is due to chemical changes in your bloodstream or changes to bacteria levels in your body.
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Some health conditions that may cause bad breath include:
- diabetes
- kidney failure
- liver failure
- peptic ulcer
- intestinal blockage
Certain foods
Certain foods like onions and garlic may linger on your breath even after you’ve brushed your teeth.
For example, it can take a day or more for garlic breath to go away. Once the garlic reaches your stomach, the oils pass into your bloodstream where they make it into your lungs and breath.
In a 2016 study, researchers found that raw apple, raw lettuce, and mint leaves were able to deodorize garlic breath.
Postnasal drip
Postnasal drip (mucus that drips from the back of your nose into your throat) may also contribute to bad breath. The mucus can attract bacteria which, in turn, may create an odor that causes your breath to smell bad.
Sinus infections, colds, flu, and strep throat are just some of the many possible causes of a postnasal drip.
Smoking
Smoking can give you bad breath by causing tobacco smoke to linger on your breath. It can also dry out your mouth and raise your risk for developing gum disease. Both dry mouth and gum disease can contribute to bad breath.
Source: https://t-tees.com
Category: WHY
