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Common Causes Of Halitosis

If you suffer from bad breath, which is also called halitosis, you may be embarrassed about your condition. Sometimes, bad breath persists even with good oral hygiene because the sufferer does not know what is causing it. 

Here are a few common causes of halitosis that can be easily remedied.

Dehydration

When you become dehydrated, your mouth tends to be much dryer than usual. With dry mouth, there is too little saliva to rinse away oral bacteria and bits of decaying food. 

Often, a little hydration is enough to correct the condition. To rehydrate, drink a couple of glasses of water. Additionally, try to keep bottled water handy throughout the day so that you can sip from it a bit whenever you start to feel a little thirsty.

Malodorous Foods

Some foods, such as onions and garlic, have a high sulfur content. As a result, they cause your breath to have an offensive odor. Additional substances such as coffee and alcohol can also negatively impact the smell of your breath.

If you are concerned about halitosis, it may be best to avoid these items altogether. Some of the compounds in these foods and drinks go beyond the mouth, entering your bloodstream and moving on to the lungs, where they fragrance your breath. As you breathe, the odors are released. 

Zinc Deficiency

Some people have bad breath because of a zinc deficiency. Zinc has natural antibacterial properties that help minimize the number of malodorous microbes in the oral cavity. 

To increase your zinc levels, you can take a supplement or simply eat foods that offer a good supply of the mineral. Foods that provide a good dose of zinc include lentils, beef, oysters and yogurt. Keep in mind that alcohol may hamper your body's ability to absorb zinc, so it may be best to forgo adult drinks.

Smoking

Smoking exposes your mouth to smelly tobacco particles that remain in your lungs, throat, and mouth even after you are done with a cigarette. The unsavory smell of a smoker's breath may also be due to poor gingival health. Smokers have a greater risk of developing gum disease. Additionally, smokers frequently suffer from dry mouth, which also contributes to bad breath. If you are a habitual smoker and would like to quit, talk to your dentist about it. They may be able to prescribe medication to make it easier to overcome your habit.

Bad breath may also be caused by dental decay. If you suffer from bad breath, schedule a consultation with a dentist in your local area.


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