9 Causes of Halitosis

Halitosis, also known as fetor oris, is a medical term for bad breath. It is a condition that affects about 25 percent of the world’s population.

While some people may not realize they have halitosis, others tend to worry a lot when they experience mild signs of this condition. Many people tend to remedy halitosis by use of breath-refreshing products, such as mouthwashes, gum, and mints. However, these products may not provide a permanent solution because they don’t address underlying causes of bad breath. Depending on the underlying problem, halitosis odors may vary from one person to another.

1. Food

Your teeth are responsible for the breakdown of solid foodstuffs into smaller sizes that can easily be swallowed. During chewing, some foodstuff particles enter the crevices of your teeth. Some stick in the spaces between the teeth. Some people have dents in their teeth. Food particles may enter these dents during the chewing process. These particles create a conducive environment for bacterial growth in the mouth, leading to a bad odor. Additionally, eating certain foods, including garlic, spices, and onions, may result in bad breath. After digestion, these foodstuffs are absorbed into the blood stream, which transports them to your respiratory organs, leading to a foul smell when breathing.

To address bad breath that results from foodstuffs, it is advisable to brush your teeth after each meal to ensure no particles remain in your mouth. Although it may not be possible to completely avoid spices, eating them in moderation can help to minimize the chances of bad breath. If you have any tooth defects, such as a dent, it is important to get it fixed. Since some particles may be hard to remove with a toothbrush, using a toothpick to remove the particles before brushing can be helpful.