Bad Breath or Halitosis Causes

What are the causes of halitosis or bad breath condition?
There are a number of possible causes of halitosis. Below we have listed some possible causes of a bad breath condition and dental causes.
Dental Causes of Bad Breath
1. Extensive dental decay
2. Periodontal (gum) disease
3. Oral infections or abscesses
4. Oral cancers
5. Xerostomia (dry mouth condition). Many medications can contribute to a condition of xerostomia.
6. Oral conditions resulting from post-nasal drips or discharges
7. Allergy conditions
8. A proliferation of specific types of gram (-) anaerobic bacteria.
Saliva is a very important part of oral health. With regards to the topic at hand, saliva provides 3 important functions:
1. Provides enzymes to help with digestion of food
2. Provides a method to stabilize pH (keep the acid levels in check)
3. Provides high levels of oxygen in order to keep oral tissues healthy and fresh.
If you suffer from dry mouth (Xerostomia) symptoms, you naturally have less saliva. In turn, less saliva means less oxygen. If there is less oxygen available in the oral environment you have an anaerobic environment, which is perfect for these sulfur-producing bacteria. In essence, the bacteria are now capable of making high levels of sulfur gases, which in turn make the breath and taste worse.
Tonsils and Tonsilloliths:
(Those white-yellow stones that get stuck in your throat).These bacteria can breed very easily in the back of the throat, and especially the tonsils, if you still have them. One important fact to remember: the bacteria never start off in the throat or tonsils. They only get there because the bugs originate on the back of the tongue which contacts the throat & tonsils every time you swallow.
When someone has post nasal drip or allergies, it is possible to form little "white globs" scientifically known as tonsiloliths. They are a combination of sulfur compounds (produced by the bacteria) and mucous (from post nasal drip). Their smell is very strong! Do not attempt to pick them out yourself; you'll cause a lot of bleeding. Many dentists and physicians don't know what they are.
They are not food particles, and it is not the sign of infection. Do not have a tonsillectomy for this reason because you will still have bad breath due to the fact that the bacteria is still on the back of your tongue. If you no longer have your tonsils, a similar reaction takes place if you have had a history of sore throats your throat is much rougher
HOW TO PREVENT BAD BREATH!
1. Practice good oral hygiene. Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to remove food debris and plaque. Brush your teeth after you eat (keep a toothbrush at work or school to brush after lunch). Don't forget to brush your tongue, too. Replace your toothbrush every 2 to 3 months. Use floss or an interdental cleaner to remove food particles and plaque between your teeth once a day. Dentures should be removed at night and cleaned thoroughly before being placed in your mouth the next morning.
2. See your dentist regularly - at least twice a year. He or she will conduct an oral examination and professional teeth cleaning and will be able detect and treat periodontal disease, dry mouth, or other problems that may be the cause of bad mouth odor.
3. Stop smoking/chewing tobacco-based products. Ask your dentist for tips on kicking the habit.
4. Drink lots of water. This will keep your mouth moist. Chewing gum (preferably sugarless) or sucking on candy (preferably sugarless) also stimulates the production of saliva, which helps wash away food particles and bacteria.
5. Keep a log of the foods you eat. If you think the foods that you eat may be causing your bad breath, record what you eat. Bring the log to your dentist to review. Similarly, make a list of the medications you take. Some medications may play a role in creating mouth odors.

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