Bad breath happens all the time, and many people have experienced less-than-fresh breath on a date, during a job interview or while talking with friends. Studies show that 50% of adults have had bad breath or bad breath at some point in their lives. What are the causes of bad breath? There are many causes of bad breath, and while many of them are harmless, there are times when bad breath is a sign of some more serious problems. Bacterial bad breath can occur at any time because hundreds of bad breath causing bacteria naturally grow in the mouth. The mouth acts as a natural greenhouse allowing these bacteria to grow. When people eat, these bacteria feed on the food residue in the mouth and leave behind smelly excrement. Do you have a dry mouth and feel thirsty? It’s likely because your mouth isn’t producing enough saliva. Saliva is important because it is constantly cleaning your mouth. If you don’t have enough saliva, your mouth will not be cleaned as it should be. Certain medications, salivary gland problems, or simply breathing through your mouth can cause dry mouth. Periodontal disease Bad breath that doesn’t go away or a persistent bad taste in the mouth can be an alarming sign of serious periodontal disease, which is often caused by a sticky, cavity-causing plaque called plaque. Foods garlic, onions, coffee …… The list of foods that affect breath is still long, and the foods you eat can affect the air you exhale. Smoking and tobacco Smoking can stain teeth, cause bad breath, and expose people to a range of health risks. Tobacco reduces people’s ability to taste food and irritates gum tissue; people who smoke are more likely to suffer from gum disease. Because smoking also affects a person’s sense of smell, smokers may not be aware of what their exhaled breath smells like. Systemic diseases oral infections can cause bad breath. However, if your dentist has ruled out other causes and you brush and floss daily, bad breath can be caused by other problems such as sinus disease, gastrointestinal reflux, diabetes, liver or kidney disease. How to get rid of bad breath? Brushing and flossing twice a day and flossing daily to clean between your teeth will remove all the bacteria that cause bad breath. Take care of your tongueDon’t forget to clean your tongue when you clean your teeth. Stick out your tongue and look backwards, you will find a white or brown coating where most of the bacteria that cause bad breath can be found. Use a toothbrush or tongue scraper to clean them out. Mouthwash Over-the-counter mouthwash can help kill bacteria and neutralize or temporarily mask bad breath. However, this is only a temporary solution. The sooner you don’t use a toothbrush and floss to clean food debris out of your mouth, the more likely you are to develop bad breath. Clean your dentures If you wear a removable partial denture, take it out at night and clean it thoroughly before using it again the next morning. Keep the saliva flowing Try to eat healthy foods that require a lot of chewing, like carrots and apples, to get more saliva flowing in your mouth. Also try chewing sugar-free gum or sucking on sugar-free candy. You can also ask your dentist to introduce artificial saliva. Quitting smoking to overcome this dangerous habit can be beneficial to the body in many ways. Not only will you breathe better, but you will also have a better quality of life. Visit your dentist regularly If you are struggling with what is causing your bad breath, make an appointment to see your dentist. Regular checkups will allow your dentist to detect any oral problems, such as gum disease or dry mouth, and prevent these problems from becoming more serious. If the dentist determines that the mouth is healthy, then a visit to the primary care physician may be in order.