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Bad Breath/ Halitosis
Halitosis, also known as bad breath, is a very common oral health problem. It can lead to social embarrassment and low self-confidence. Most people suffer from bad breath at one time or another. However, prolonged bad breath may be an indication of another disorder.


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Causes and Risk Factors

Bad breath is an unpleasant situation, and in some cases individuals who are suffering from bad breath are not even aware of the problem. There are several conditions that lead to bad breath.

Poor dental hygiene: This is considered to be the leading cause of bad breath. Consumed food remains in the mouth if there is not proper and regular brushing and flossing. The bacteria that are already present in the mouth feed on these food particles and lead to putrefaction. The failure to cleanse the tongue while brushing the teeth also causes bad breath.

Dental decay: Dental cavities or caries are formed as a result of poor dental hygiene. The food particles that remain between the tongue, on the tongue, and around the gums can rot, which leads to dental decay and causes offensive odor.

Periodontal diseases: Bad breath and unpleasant taste in the mouth are some of the primary symptoms of gingivitis or periodontis.

Xerostomia (dry mouth): Xerostomia refers to a condition wherein there is a significant decrease in saliva production in the mouth that prevents it to cleanse itself and remove debris and food particles. There are several causes of xerostomia, including medications that dry out mucoid membranes, disorder of salivary gland, and breathing through the mouth instead of through the nose.

Consuming strong smelling foods: The food that is consumed is broken down in the mouth, digested, and transported into the bloodstream. Eventually, the odor is expelled from the body by the lungs. Strong smelling foods such as onions and garlic release a foul odor that results in bad breath.

Tobacco products: Besides causing bad breath, cigarettes, cigars, snuff, or smokeless tobacco can also stain teeth and cause a number of diseases including oral cancer and lung cancer.

Other disorders: Persistent and long lasting bad breath can be an indicator of other diseases such as sinusitis, diabetes, chronic bronchitis, gastrointestinal disease, liver, and kidney ailment.

Other causes: Eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia, improper cleaning of dentures and certain vitamin deficiencies can also cause bad breath.

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