There is nothing more uncomfortable for you and those around you than bad breath. This condition can be painfully embarrassing and put a damper on your social life, or even a job prospect.

The Fundamentals of Bad Breath

When you experience bad breath, it is a biological reaction to your body’s release of volatile sulfur into the atmosphere. This includes sulfur, hydrogen sulfide and methyl marcaptan.

Release of foul odors occurs when food remains in your mouth after brushing. The most common offender is food left in between your teeth. These small bits of food begin to rot and start to smell.

Culprits of Bad Breath

Bad oral hygiene is the number one reason for foul breath. But there are other causes, including:

- Food -- When you eat smelly foods, the digestive process releases strong gases that smell unpleasant; these gases can be released 24 hours after you’ve eaten that stinky item. Common bad-breath-causing foods include garlic, onions, cheeses and dairy.

- Tongue -- The tongue harbors bacteria that if left to build up can cause bad breath.

- Medical conditions -- Severe kidney failure and diabetic ketaoacidosis can cause bad breath.

- Undigested foods from the stomach

- Large dose of vitamins

- Dry mouth syndrome (xerostomia)

- Cavities

- Abscessed teeth or impacted teeth

- Gingivitis (any form of gum disease)

Preventing Bad Breath Before It Starts

Brushing twice a day, flossing daily and using mouthwash at bedtime is your ticket to a life free of bad breath. These steps cannot be emphasized enough! Proper oral hygiene is intertwined with daily maintenance. Some suggest brushing after consuming any sugar, but that would also include any food that converts into sugar once it hits your mouth (including all carbohydrates such as pasta, bread, potatoes and milk). To avoid bad breath, daily maintenance is essential.

Before you spend any money on breath mints, gums or strips, remember that those generally only help for a short time. Only good oral hygiene and regular cleanings at your dentist’s office will ensure you never get in an embarrassing social situation because of bad breath.

---

Footnote