Bad breath, or halitosis, is an unpleasant smell that often comes from the mouth. It can be caused by a variety of things including certain foods, dental problems, and medications. In some cases, bad breath may be a sign of a serious health condition. Here are the five most common reasons you could be struggling with bad breath.

1. Oral Hygiene

The most common cause of bad breath is unsurprisingly poor oral hygiene. If you are not brushing properly at least twice a day, this is going to lead to food and bacteria buildup, causing your breath to smell. A good mouthwash, as well as remembering to floss, are also effective additions to your routine to ensure you’re cleaning as thoroughly as possible. Periodontal, or gum, disease usually results due to poor hygiene and can lead to bad breath as well. Alongside your daily routine it is important to have regular dental cleanings to keep your oral health in the best possible shape. 

2. Diet

The foods and drinks you consume can affect the smell of your breath beyond just inside your mouth. Highly potent foods such as garlic or onions contain odor-causing particles that enter your bloodstream, which leads to your lungs. So, even if you are brushing afterward, when you exhale, your breath can still be altered by the food. If you have a diet that is high in sugar, the bacteria that feed on the sugars can cause poor-smelling breath. If you eat a high-protein or low-carb diet, your body may release sulfurous gasses due to the difficulty of breaking down the proteins. Other common culprits of bad breath include coffee and alcohol. Each of these reduces saliva production, which leaves more room for bacteria to grow, leading to worse breath. 

3. Smoking

Aside from causing many other health problems such as cancer, heart disease, and lung disease, smoking affects your breath as well. This is because of the smell left behind in your throat and lungs from the smoke. Chemical compounds are also left behind, mixing with saliva to cause your breath odor to worsen. Any tobacco-based product can cause bad breath, as well as whatever device from which you are smoking.. 

4. Digestion

Digestive issues such as constipation, bowel problems, and poor digestion often cause acid reflux. Acid reflux is when the muscle at the bottom of your esophagus relaxes at the wrong time, leading to stomach acid coming back up through your esophagus. This allows the odors from your food and drinks to come back up as well. Constant acid reflux can lead to a slew of other health concerns such as esophagitis, ulcers, or esophageal cancers. 

5. Other Medical Concerns

Besides gum disease from plaque buildup, other medical concerns can cause bad breath as well. Mouth yeast infections, as well as cavities, can cause poor-smelling breath. The medical condition known as dry mouth, or xerostomia, can also cause this issue. Without the necessary amount of saliva, cells decompose in the mouth instead of being washed away. If none of the 1-4 causes mentioned in this article are causing your bad breath, it could be a more concerning medical problem such as:

• Allergies 
• Infections such as pneumonia or bronchitis 
• Sinus infections 
• Diabetes 
• Gastrointestinal issues 
• Lung infection 
• Liver or kidney problems 

Understanding the causes of bad breath can help you take steps to improve your oral hygiene to reduce or eliminate the problem. If you have persistent bad breath that doesn’t seem to be related to any of these common causes, it’s a good idea to see your dentist or doctor to rule out other possible health problems.