What Causes Bad Breath, and How Can You Tell if You Have It?

Bad breath – also known as Halitosis – is a very common issue. Interestingly, bad breath is not entirely linked to oral conditions. Instead, there are several physical health conditions linked to bad breath. Moreover, how can people tell if they have bad breath? Taking certain steps can help to lessen cases of bad breath.

Halitosis – which is better known as bad breath – is a problem that impacts many people. It is a common source of concern, anxiety, and sometimes embarrassment.

While many people think bad breath is purely related to our oral health, this is actually far from the case. Bad breath can be linked to many other areas.

Bad breath is something we all try to avoid, but it isn’t always possible. But what causes bad breath? Moreover, how can you tell if you have it? In this article, we examine these questions.

What is bad breath?

Having temporary bouts of bad breath, such as at first thing in the morning or after eating something strong like garlic, is normal. However, some people have a long-term issue with bad breath – which is called halitosis.

Statistics show that around a third of adults have bad breath [1]. Research shows that around 90% of cases of bad breath is due to oral health problems [2].

As well as being a health concern, bad breath also poses a social problem. For example, bad breath has been associated with poor self-esteem and anxiety [3].

Improving oral hygiene can help to lessen bad breath. However, knowing about the causes of bad breath can help.

Oral causes of bad breath

As discussed above, bad breath is mainly linked to oral health. For example, a lack of toothbrushing and neglecting the tongue when brushing are common causes.

One of the most common causes is an overgrowth of bacteria in the mouth. The mouth offers a huge space for bacteria to grow. There are small areas that are hard to clean – including between our teeth, parts of the gums, and the back of the mouth.

When we do not brush our teeth or floss, a build-up of bacteria between the teeth and gums develops, resulting in a rotten-smelling odour emitting.

The throat is a passage for food, fluids and air. This is a trio that can easily create a concoction that results in bad breath.

Moreover, some people can develop a condition called pharyngeal pouch. This is where a pocket forms at the back of the throat, which attracts food, fluids and air – resulting in the combination fermenting and causing a pungent odour [4].

An overgrowth of bacteria can also cause tonsilitis and tooth infections. This involves tissues becoming inflamed, or developing pus. Pus also causes a foul odour.

Sinusitis – which is an infection of the cavities in the skull – can also drop infected secretions into the throat, which worsens bad breath [4].

As with many other conditions, tobacco use also worsens bad breath. Strong-flavoured foods like garlic and onion can also cause short-term bad breath.

Physical causes of bad breath

But looking at a wider perspective, bad breath can also indicate problems with the gut, and in some cases – the bloodstream [4]. In fact, there are many different conditions linked to bad breath.

One well-known condition that can impact bad breath is called diabetes mellitus. This is a metabolic disorder which involves glucose being unable to access the body’s cells. Therefore, this results in a lack of energy, resulting in sugar levels rising in the bloodstream [4].

Then there is also a condition called diabetic ketoacidosis. This happens when the body breaks down fats into compounds called ketones to act as fuel – normally when there is insufficient insulin dosage in the body [4].

Moreover, ketones have a distinct scent. One such example is acetone – which many people know for its use in nail varnish removers. For those that are aware of these removers, they will know of the strong stench they carry. When ketones build up in the bloodstream, they can easily diffuse into the breath, thereby bringing the odour with them [4].

Our diet also impacts us in many ways – including our breath. This is especially the case with diets that trigger ketone production – which is done with the intention of breaking down fats to hasten weight loss [4].

Such diets include the Atkins diet, which aims to make the body convert fat into energy by restricting carbohydrates. Another well-known diet is the 5:2 intermittent fasting plan. While these diets may promote weight loss, one of the most common side effects is foul breath.

How to tell if you have bad breath

A common issue with bad breath is that it can be very difficult to tell if you have it. We are often reliant on others telling us – though it can be a difficult topic to bring up.

There are actually some diagnostic tests that can be done. However, these are typically done as a way of testing for some serious health conditions.

But as discussed, for many people, their bad breath is linked to oral health. Therefore, diagnostic tests probably aren’t necessary. Instead, you can test your own breath.

One tried and tested method is to lick the back of your wrist, let it dry, and then smell it. This is a good way of finding out for yourself.

If you do need to improve your breath, then there are simple ways of doing so. For example, sipping water throughout the day, using mouthwash, remembering to brush your tongue, and eating leafy greens can all help.

Overall, while bad breath is often oral-related, there are clearly some physical health considerations too. As detailed above, when bad breath does hit, there are things that can be done to improve your breath!

Thinking points…

1) Bad breath is a common issue which impacts many people. As discussed in this article, make sure you brush your teeth and floss regularly. Using mouthwash can also complement your oral hygiene and keep your breath feeling fresh throughout the day. Some people use a tongue scraper as a way of lessening bacteria levels on their tongue. Have a think now about ways of improving your oral hygiene!

2) While following the above tips can help to stave off the threat of bad breath, there is something else that you can do for your oral health – visit the dentist on a regular basis for a check-up! Check-ups are crucial, as they involve a dentist taking a look at your oral health, providing advice and making recommendations if needed. We recommend that you book an appointment now!

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a dental clinic based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. We provide our patients with a range of treatment options and advice, with the aim of improving oral health and boosting overall wellbeing!

We advise our patients to attend our Calgary-based dental clinic twice a year for a dental check-up. If any problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For instance, these include cavity fillings and root canals. To try and prevent problems, it is important to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss regularly.

Here at Savanna Dental, we also have some cosmetic treatments available! These include dental implants, tooth whitening and Invisalign™! Our patients find that these treatments have a positive impact on their appearance, confidence and self-esteem.

In addition, the fees of our services at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental are set in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide.

We would love you to visit our Savanna Dental clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca/!

References

[1] Veeresha, K. L., Bansal, M., & Bansal, V. (2011). Halitosis: A frequently ignored social condition. Journal of International Society of Preventive & Community Dentistry. 1 (1): p9-13. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4103%2F2231-0762.86374.

[2] Quirynen, M., Mongardini, C., & van Steenberge, D. (1998). The Effect of a 1-Stage Full-Mouth Disinfection on Oral Malodor and Microbial Colonization of the Tongue in Periodontitis Patients. A Pilot Study. Journal of Periodontology. 69 (3): p374-382. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1902/jop.1998.69.3.374.

[3] Kisely, S. (2016). No Mental Health without Oral Health. The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry. 61 (5): p277-282. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0706743716632523.

[4] Baumgardt, D. (2024). Take my (bad) breath away – causes of halitosis and how to check whether you have it. Available: https://theconversation.com/take-my-bad-breath-away-causes-of-halitosis-and-how-to-check-whether-you-have-it-231858. Last accessed: 22nd June 2024.