Bad breath is also known as halitosis. It signifies poor dental hygiene and warning signs of other health and gum-related diseases. Consult a dentist in Houston to get the necessary treatment for your dental issues.

Periodontal disease is indicated by a persistent odor in the breath or a bad taste in the mouth. Gum diseases are caused by plaque buildup of plaque or tartar on teeth. Bacteria in plaque cause toxins that are harmful to the gums and cause severe diseases. If left untreated, it can cause serious damage to the gums and jawbone.

Bad breath is also caused by ill-fitting dental appliances, yeast infections in the mouth, and cavities.

Xerostomia, or dry mouth, can also lead to bad breath. Saliva is essential for moistening the mouth and neutralizing the acids created by plaque buildup. It helps wash away dead cells accumulated on the tongue, gums, and cheeks. If the removal of these cells does not happen, they start decomposing and ruining your breath.

Furthermore, dry mouth can be a side effect of medications, issues in the salivary gland, or consistent breathing from the mouth—people who sleep with their mouths open experience terrible morning breath.

Seasonal allergies or infections in the respiratory tract, such as pneumonia or bronchitis, also cause poor mouth odor. Bad breath is one of the few aftereffects of chronic sinus infections, acid reflux, gastrointestinal problems, lung infection, or postnasal drip. Liver and kidney patients also experience this. 

Poor dental hygiene

Bad dental habits like irregular brushing and flossing of teeth promote plaque buildup and allow food debris to stay in your mouth, leading to bacterial growth in your gum area and worsening the smell of your breath. Inflamed gums lead to poor-smelling exhalation as well. Uncleaned dentures are also a cause of this. 

Smoking habits

Excessive smoking or consuming products rich in tobacco can also cause bad breath and staining of teeth. It also causes irritation in the gums, impacts the ability to taste food items, and may lead to complete loss of taste in some instances.

Diet 

The choice of meals also affects your breath as the food you eat is absorbed into your bloodstream and transported to the lungs, which further affects the air you exhale. 

Consuming items with a strong odor, like garlic and onions, causes bad breath, as merely cleaning your teeth with brushes and floss is not enough to eliminate the smell. The smell will stay till the meal is passed through your body.