Causes of Halitosis
Contrary to popular belief, Halitosis is rarely influenced by stomach problems and is infrequently related to a medical problem, the simple fact is that the overwhelming cause of bad breath is due to what is happening in the mouth.
In 90% of cases, the primary cause of bad breath is a result of Volatile Sulphur Compounds (VSC’s) and these compounds are the by-products of plaque bacteria living in the mouth – they are highly toxic to tissues in the mouth and may contribute to gum disease.
Other possible causes of Halitosis are:
-
Smoking – all smoking reduces saliva flow which causes dry mouth and then Halitosis.
-
Diet – low carbohydrate diets, a low tolerance to dairy products, a high consumption of acidic foods, a high intake of alcohol or coffee can all cause dry mouth and lead to Halitosis.
-
Age – older people and young children are more prone to Halitosis.
-
Medication – many tablets can cause a dry mouth which leads to Halitosis.
-
Dental decay – cavities in the mouth can harbour bacteria and lead to Halitosis.
