What causes bad breath in the mouth?
Nov 15, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Chao
Introduction
In general, bad breath may be caused by dietary habits, dry mouth upon waking, poor oral hygiene, periodontitis, hepatitis, or other reasons. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. In daily life, individuals with bad breath should avoid greasy foods, maintain a light diet, brush teeth in the morning and at night, rinse the mouth after meals, and have regular dental check-ups.
In general, bad breath may be caused by dietary habits, dry mouth upon waking, poor oral hygiene, periodontitis, hepatitis, or other reasons. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. Specific analysis is as follows:
1. Dietary Habits
After consuming strongly odorous foods such as garlic and onions, their components are absorbed during digestion and expelled through the breath, leading to bad breath. Rinsing the mouth or brushing teeth after meals and reducing intake of these foods can help.
2. Dry Mouth Upon Waking
During sleep, prolonged fasting and lack of fluid intake reduce saliva production, impairing the mouth's natural cleansing ability and promoting bacterial growth, which causes odor. Maintain adequate hydration and rinse or brush your mouth upon waking.
3. Poor Oral Hygiene
Failure to brush teeth regularly, incomplete brushing, or not rinsing the mouth allows bacteria to proliferate in the oral cavity, causing bad breath and symptoms such as dryness and bitterness in the mouth. Associated symptoms may include redness, swelling, and bleeding of the gums. Improve oral hygiene by brushing and rinsing regularly, and use dental floss and other cleaning tools.
4. Periodontitis
Dental plaque and tartar can lead to periodontitis, producing a foul odor. Accompanying symptoms include gum bleeding, loose teeth, and widening gaps between teeth. Under medical guidance, medications such as minocycline hydrochloride tablets, metronidazole buccal tablets, and chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash may be used for treatment.
5. Hepatitis
Infections caused by pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, or parasites can lead to hepatitis, resulting in abnormal bile secretion that affects food digestion and absorption, thereby causing bad breath. Associated symptoms may include right upper abdominal pain and jaundice. It is recommended to follow medical advice and use medications such as anti-inflammatory and bile-promoting tablets, ursodeoxycholic acid capsules, and compound glycyrrhizin tablets for treatment.
In daily life, individuals with bad breath should avoid greasy foods, maintain a light diet, brush teeth morning and night, rinse the mouth after meals, and undergo regular dental check-ups.
