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I am sure that all of us are aware of the distasteful experiences (pun intended) that bad breath can cause. Halitosis, as the condition is medically known, is both unhygienic and embarrassing. There are many potential reasons for foul smelling mouths, some of which are commonly known, while others might surprise you. I have compiled a quick reference for causes of bad breath. They will serve as a ready-reckoner for you and people around you.

Improper Dental Hygiene

There is good reason why your mom insisted on brushing regularly and properly. Lack of good oral care is by far most common reason of bad breath. Not just brushing, flossing is also very important for maintaining the right dental health. It might seem tedious to begin with, but you (and people around you) will be thankful in the long run.

Foul Smelling Foods & Drinks

Strong flavored foods like onions, garlic, spices etc. always mess up the smell of your mouth. Similarly, strong drinks like alcohol and coffee (especially black coffee) have similar effects. The best way to counter the effects of such foods and drinks is to moderate their consumption. For example, two cups of coffee a day won’t hurt you, but five cups will. You can also counter their effects with mouth freshners and brushing.

Smoking / Tobacco Consumption

Oh yes, we’re all familiar with the ‘smoker’s breath’, aren’t we? It’s an unavoidable side effect of smoking because of the strong foul smell that tobacco generates. Again, mouth fresheners is the second best thing you can rely on (quitting smoking being the best solution). However, the effect of smoking (or any other form of tobacco consumption) has a much bigger effect on your oral health than the immediate  problem of bad breath. For example, smoking frequently leads of gum diseases which in turn causes bad breath.

Infections

Infections in the mouth and respiratory systems, both, are directly responsible for bad smelling mouths. The most common in-mouth problem is periodontal infection, also better known as gum diseases. It generally happens due to improper dental care and can be treated easily with right medication and care.

Respiratory infections like infections in throat, lung and sinus can directly or indirectly lead to bad breath. In simple words, overall health of your respiratory system goes a long way in ensuring good smells from your mouth.

Illnesses / Medication:

You might have noticed regular foul smell from your mouth when you are suffering from an illness. That smell is a mixed side-effect of the disease itself and the medication you are taking to cure it.

Medicines that are especially linked to bad breath include nitrates, chemotherapy medication, and phenothiazines. You may consider alternatives to such medicines, but generally you don’t need to worry much as medicines / disease related bad breath goes away with the illness.

To summarize, your oral health, diet choices and medical conditions all combine together to decide the pleasantness (or the lack of it) of the smell of your breath. So keep a close tab on these parameters and always feel fresh.