Bad breath, a condition that causes bad breath, affects one in three people. Most of the time it is the result of one’s diet, especially if it consists of foods with strong flavors like garlic, curry, onions, and so on. Beverages play a big part as well, with drinks like coffee or alcoholic drinks contributing the most. Furthermore, people who smoke tend to also have bad breath.
In some cases, bad breath is something worse. If bad breath is the result of a medical condition, then it is known as halitosis. Most cases of halitosis are the direct result of poor oral hygiene, leading to gum diseases like gingivitis or even periodontitis.
Having a dry mouth can also contribute to bad breath. Saliva is important since it can rinse away some food debris and bacteria from your teeth. If you tend to use alcohol-based mouthwash or are taking medication that dries your mouth up, then that may be a contributing factor to halitosis.
If you have bad breath, fixing it may be as simple as changing your diet. In extreme cases, you will have to see a doctor. In the articles below, we discuss the common causes of halitosis, how to treat it, and how to prevent it.