Bad Personal Habits as Causes of Halitosis

It should be simple to keep bad breath at bay. While it is common knowledge that mouth fresheners act instantaneously, simple acts of personal hygiene can produce more lasting results. Most causes of halitosis are due to nothing more than carelessness or inconvenience. It is not always possible to brush teeth after a meal away from home, and bad breath is inevitable if you have enjoyed an exotic dish full of aromatic spices. Similarly, flossing can be most inconvenient, though traces of food stuck inside the mouth, will lose no time in raising a stink!

Not all causes of halitosis are beyond reasonable control. Some people may develop bad habits of failing to brush and floss before retiring for the night, or may simply not drink enough water. Irregular visits to dentists will inevitably lead to bacterial colonies finding refuge in the gums, and they can be awfully difficult to dislodge completely. There are some beneficial bacteria which reside in a healthy oral cavity, but the trick is to keep the harmful ones away. Overall, a combination of adequate personal hygiene and regular dental examinations should suffice to rule out the usual causes of halitosis.

Metabolic Causes of Halitosis

Diabetes can be free of symptoms in its early stages. Surveys show that large numbers of people in all countries may suffer from diabetes for years, without the condition being detected. This results in the build up of ketones in blood. Ketones are highly odorous chemicals which are formed when the body burns fat instead of carbohydrate for energy. Ketones are eliminated from blood through perspiration, in urine, and by way of exhaled breath. The latter joins the list of causes of halitosis, and it is a matter which a dentist cannot resolve on his or her own. This is why a dentist may send a patient to a physician, when there is nothing in the mouth which could result in halitosis. However, it is also possible that bacterial infections and diabetes are related, since high blood sugar predisposes people to immune deficiencies.

Sudden changes in diet can also cause bad breath. Fasting causes ketosis, as does a high protein diet, which also excludes carbohydrates. The bodies of people who try to lose weight rapidly, or to increase their musculatures, tend to use fat for energy, and smelly ketones build up in blood, finding their way to the lungs in the process. This is why special diets should be custom prepared for each individual by qualified experts.

Causes Of Halitosis

Although it is often the basis for many jokes, Halitosis is not only an embarrassing condition but may potentially be the evidence of a bigger problem in the human body. People who suffer with halitosis need to discover what the problem is and get treatment appropriate for their situation. This condition should not be ignored but should be carefully looked at.

Oral Hygiene

Many people believe that halitosis or bad breath is simply caused by poor oral hygiene and this may be the case. Some people with bad breath simply do not take care of their mouth or teeth. Every person needs to understand that teeth and mouth need to be cared for and cleaned frequently to prevent not only bad breath but other problems as well. Old food particles, bacteria, yeast, plaque and other disgusting things in the mouth will all contribute to halitosis and need to be eliminated by careful cleaning and treatment. This is something each and every person can do without the help of a doctor, dentist or other professional.

Tooth Decay And Oral Infections

Another common cause of halitosis is tooth decay or other oral infections. A person with good oral hygiene that still finds they have a problem with bad breath should make an appointment with their dentist to check for possible causes in the mouth and teeth. The dentist can help take care of problems with the teeth, gums and other oral areas. If the dentist does not find a problem causing the bad breath they will probably refer the patient to a medical doctor.

Medical Causes Of Halitosis

There are many medical conditions that can cause Halitosis. It may be as simple as a person’s dietary intake or may be something more severe. A person with chronic Halitosis should see a doctor to make sure there is not an underlying medical condition that requires treatment. A doctor will be able to perform and order tests to rule out many of the causes of Halitosis.

Sometimes a medication may have the side effect of causing Halitosis. In this case a doctor can quickly determine the cause and can offer suggestions for getting the problem under control. Doctors are well aware of the fact that bad breath is not always a matter of poor hygiene and will be very understanding in helping a person to deal with the situation. It will be a great relief for both the person with the bad breath and those that have frequent contact with them to have the problem solved.