Causes of bad breath

Bad breath is a common health problem which greatly affects the day today activities of so many people. The offensive odor from the mouth is unpleasant to those who come in close contact with bad breathers. The problem will be doubled by psychological trauma leading to depression. The sufferers from this problem will be isolated from the society. This can even lead to marital disharmony.

Literally speaking all human beings are badbreathers. Oral cavity contains millions of anaerobic bacteria like fusobacterium and actinomyces which acts on the protein of food materials and putrifies them. This process results in the formation of offensive gases like hydrogen sulphide, methyl mescaptan, cadaverin, skatol, putrescine etc causing bad odor. If oral hygiene is not maintained properly, all will suffer from bad breath. Most of us control this by regular brushing, tongue cleaning and gargling. Even after maintaining cleanliness in the mouth some individuals suffer from offensive smell due to various causes which has to be diagnosed and treated properly.

Some common causes of bad breath

Poor oral hygiene
Food habits
Biofilm
Dental caries
Gingivitis
Gum retraction
Dental plaques and tartar deposits
Ulcerative lesions& coatings
Diseases of the salivary glands
Tonsillitis
Pharyngitis & pharyngial abscess
Dentures
Tobacco
Smoking
Lesions in the nose & ear
Diabetes mellitus
Fevers
Fasting & dehydration
Bedridden patients
Diseases of stomach & esophagus
Intestinal diseases
Diseases of lungs
Liver disorders
Psychiatric patients
Somatisation disorder