Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is a concern for many people. It is not pleasant to stand near someone who has a foul smelling breath, especially when you do not want to give offence by walking away because you cannot stand the stench. Personally, I dread it when I stand or sit next to someone who has bad breath because there is often no way of escape and I just have to stand or sit there and suffer in silence. One persons quick curry is another persons discomfort when that person breathes garlic to all in the close vicinity of his or her breath.
There is no one single cause of bad breath. It is most often linked to a build up of bacteria on the food which is left in the mouth and between the teeth. It is the sulphur compounds released by these bacteria which causes the breath to smell unpleasant. Obviously the solution is to remove these particles of food from the mouth and gums by observing correct dental hygiene.
Bad breath is also caused by gum disease, which in turn is caused by the build up of plaque on the teeth. Tell tale signs of gum disease are bleeding gums and wobbly teeth. Other causes of bad breath are a throat or tonsil infection and catarrh. In some cases bad breath is a sign of underlying health problems, in which case it is advisable to consult your doctor.
Some foods, which contain pungent oils, can contribute to bad breath. The oils are taken to the lungs and the odour is expelled through the mouth. These foods are garlic and onions. It is strange how the person who has eaten these foods cannot smell them on their breath, but those who have not eaten them can.
Smoking. Smoke lingers on the smokers breath and gives off an unpleasant odour. There are of course other health issues associated with tobacco smokers.
Sinus sufferers can suffer from bad breath due to the postnasal drip which lands on the back of the tongue, where it is compounded by oral bacteria which feed on this discharge, resulting in a smelly breath.
These are just some of the causes of bad breath in adults.