Poor dental hygiene is the number one cause of bad breath, also known as halitosis. When you don’t brush and floss your teeth, bacteria builds up and produces a colorless, sticky film called plaque that smells bad.
Foods such as garlic, onions and spices can also cause a foul smell in your mouth when they are broken down by the bacteria in your mouth. These odors are carried into the bloodstream and then deposited into the lungs, which is why it is especially important to brush after eating these foods.입냄새원인
Tobacco use and a dry mouth can also contribute to halitosis. When you smoke or chew tobacco, it leaves behind a foul-smelling residue in the mouth. If you have a chronically dry mouth (xerostomia), this can lead to a buildup of odor-producing substances, such as sulfur compounds.
If you eat a lot of foods that are sour, such as pickles or cabbage, your breath can also have a bad odor. Garlic, onions, tuna fish and milk are just a few of the foods that can cause bad breath when they combine with bacteria in your mouth.
Certain medical conditions can also cause halitosis. When the liver or kidneys don’t function properly, they can release toxins into the body that cause unpleasant odors. In addition, if you have diabetes and it’s not well controlled, you may develop ketones that can cause a fruity or nail polish-like odor in the breath.
If you have persistent bad breath, talk to your dentist and your family doctor or internist. They can help you determine the underlying cause and find a treatment plan. Often, treating the health condition will help eliminate the odor, too. For example, if your halitosis is due to gum disease, your dentist can treat the condition and recommend you see a periodontist to treat the underlying problem. If the halitosis is not related to your oral health, your doctor can refer you to an ear, nose and throat specialist to find out what’s going on. If you have a sinus infection or other upper respiratory illness, this can also cause bad breath. However, if the halitosis is due to another reason, your physician will treat that condition, which should eliminate the odor.해우소한의원