![5 surprising causes of bad breath that will amaze you. [Image Credit: Kreatikar / Pixabay]](https://staticr1.blastingcdn.com/media/photogallery/2019/2/18/660x290/b_502x220x82/5-surprising-causes-of-bad-breath-that-will-amaze-you-image-credit-kreatikar-pixabay_2208249.jpg "5 surprising causes of bad breath that will amaze you. [Image Credit: Kreatikar / Pixabay]")
Bad breath occurs when bacteria act on the particles of food in the mouth, according to the Mayo Clinic. When the food particles are broken down, sulphuric compounds are produced, giving off an offensive odor.
Generally, it is believed that poor oral hygiene is the primary cause of bad breath. However, you may have bad breath for other reasons.
Most often, bacteria are responsible for the offensive smell in the mouth. Nevertheless, there are some health conditions which may be responsible for the problem such as; diabetes, infection of the tonsils, polycystic kidney disease, lupus nephritis, kidney cancer, liver disease, pneumonia, sinusitis, and blood disorders.
Mouth breathing
Breathing via the mouth for a long time may lead to a dry mouth. This is because the production of saliva which helps to keep the mouth moist, clean, and pathogen-free has been reduced.
Poor oral hygiene
Saliva production during sleep slows down drastically and, in the case of poor oral hygiene before sleep, the bacteria in the mouth would act on the food particles in between our teeth, thereby causing bad breath and cavities.
Cigarette smoking
Smoking or the consumption of tobacco-based products causes mouth dryness which consequently causes bad breath.
Medications
One of the major side-effects of medications such as antipsychotics, muscle relaxants, antihistamines, and diuretics is dry mouth. These medications lower the production of saliva in the mouth, thereby making the mouth a breeding ground for bacteria. The resultant effect is bad breath.
Impaired digestive system
The gut contains normal flora, which is highly beneficial to the body. These beneficial bacteria are estimated to be about 85 percent, while the bad bacteria should be about 15 percent. It is very risky to have an imbalance between the good and bad bacteria in the guy as this may expose you to serious health problems. You may become vulnerable to health conditions linked to bad breath if you have less than the optimal number of gut flora.
