Having halitosis or bad breath is embarrassing. You can’t help but feel conscious every time you speak. But what’s worse about it is that it’s not just what you had for lunch that can cause you to have bad breath.
There are several reasons people develop halitosis. Certain foods, diets, and even health condition can cause a person to have bad breath. In most cases, improving one’s dental hygiene can help improve the situation and treat it for good. But there are times when it just wouldn’t solve any problem. To help you resolve your concern, here are some few surprising things that can cause you to develop bad breath.
High-protein meals
Sticking to a high-protein diet can cause a person to develop bad breath. Because of your tongue’s indentations, it’s quite easy for bacteria to grow and thrive from the food debris that gets stuck in it. Once the bacteria break down the proteins that you had for your meal, it’ll soon release gases, such as hydrogen sulfide; therefore, producing an odor that resembles the smell of rotten eggs or cabbage.
Dry mouth
Once your mouth doesn’t produce as much saliva as it should, it tends to make your mouth dry; therefore causing halitosis. There are several reasons people can experience dryness in their mouth. Aging or medication side effects can also be a culprit for your bad breath. Meanwhile, others experience it due to various health conditions, as well as dehydration. Even the use of tobacco and nerve damage can also cause your mouth to get dry. When your mouth produces less saliva, it tends to make your mouth dirty. This also makes your mouth the perfect haven for bacterial growth.
Excessive citrus fruits
If you’re into citrus foods, then you’re also prone to having bad breath. Experts say that some citrus fruits have natural sugar in it, which bacteria loves to eat. Once the bacteria break the sugar down, they can turn it into acid, which can cause tooth decay and infections.
Foods trapped in the pits of the tonsils
A person’s tonsils have natural pockets that tend to trap food debris and mucus. If the debris gets stuck in these crevices, bacterial growth can happen. This causes a person to develop bad breath and chronic sores. Once this happens, halitosis won’t go away smoothly.
Chronic acid reflux
People who experience chronic acid reflux can also experience bad breath. That’s because their stomach’s content tends to flow back into their esophagus. This produces a bad odor every time the person opens their mouth. Experts say that the most common cause of this condition is a faulty lower esophageal sphincter that blocks the esophagus and the stomach.
If you notice that you have bad breath, experts suggest checking your oral hygiene. Ensure that you always clean your clear aligner, so there wouldn’t be any food debris stuck in it. Try making some changes with your oral health and see if it makes any difference. If your halitosis persists, then it’s time to see your doctor.
