We all get bad breath from time to time. Whether it’s the oh-so-pleasant morning breath or a lingering smell after a meal, we have all been there. While bad breath is common, persistent bad breath can happen to anyone too – and it is also pretty common. In fact, more than 50 percent of adults struggle with bad breath day-to-day. So what causes this bad breath to stick around? Well, there can be a few causes – let’s take a look at some of those derivatives below.
Bad Breath Caused By Bacteria
Everyone has bacteria in their mouth – however some individuals keep a little more bacteria around than others. This bacteria starts off harmless, but over time, it can turn into plaque which results in a foul smell. The best way to remedy this one is – you guessed it, maintaining proper oral hygiene. Brushing and flossing your teeth two times a day is the best way to avoid plaque build up and keep fresh smelling breath.
Bad Breath Caused By Lack Of Flossing
Flossing is very important when maintaining proper oral hygiene. Many people can brush their teeth two times a day, use mouthwash and still experience the effects of bad breath. Why? Well, about 40% of your tooth’s surface can only be cleaned by flossing. That means, when you skip on the floss, you’re still leaving behind a generous amount of bacteria that can result in a foul smell.
Bad Breath Caused By Dry Mouth
Some of you may not know this, but saliva actually works to keep your mouth clean. If you aren’t producing an adequate amount of saliva, that means your mouth isn’t staying as clean as it should. As you can guess, this results in higher amounts of bacteria left behind – causing bad breath.
Bad Breath Caused By Gum Disease
If you have been experiencing consistent bad breath that just won’t go away for longer than you can remember, this can be a sign of gum disease. Gum disease or periodontal disease occurs when the bacteria makes its way into your gums. This leaves your gums inflamed, painful and can even cause bleeding when you brush. When gum disease is left untreated, it can begin to destroy other areas of the mouth including your teeth and jaw bone.
Bad Breath Caused By Pre-Existing Medical Conditions
Believe it or not, there are a few other reasons why you could be experiencing persistent bad breath that is not related to your mouth. If your dentist has ruled out poor oral hygiene and gum disease, there is a chance this foul smell is a result of a pre-existing medical condition such as acid reflux, diabetes and liver or kidney disease.