Causes for Halitosis (Bad Breath)

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Halitosis (bad breath) is caused by sulphur-producing bacteria that normally live within the surface of the tongue and in the throat. Sometimes, these bacteria start to break down proteins at a very high rate and thereby releasing odorous volatile sulphur compounds (VSC) from the back of the tongue and throat. The 90% of breath problems are caused from a proliferation of specific types of gram negative anaerobic bacteria in the mouth.

Some of the Major Causes of Halitosis are:

Dry mouth - Dry mouth generally results from intake of some medicines and alcohol or it may also come from stress or a medical condition, thereby leading to halitosis.
Foods high in protein, sugar or acid also causes halitosis.
Smoking a lot or drinking lot of coffee causes bad breath.
People suffering from gum disease also suffer from bad breath.
Some Nasal or Sinus Infections.
Hormonal factors - such as menstrual cycle or pregnancy, are the main causes for halitosis.
Foods such as onions, garlic or cauliflower, which induce certain odors may cause halitosis.
Gastric Etiologies: Any medical condition that allows air from the stomach to move up into the esophagus and into the oral cavity may produce halitosis. The most common is gastroesophageal reflux.
Tonsilar infections or tonsiloliths are also one of the primary causes of halitosis.
If a person has either lung, liver or kidney diseases,he or she may be more likely to get affected by halitosis.
Food stagnation between the teeth may also cause halitosis (bad breath).
Vitamin Deficiencies: Patients having vitamin or mineral deficiencies (e.g., vitamin A, vitamin B 12 , iron, zinc) or other medical conditions may experience halitosis.
Diabetes Mellitus: Pharmacists are perhaps most familiar with diabetes mellitus as a systemic cause of breath alterations.

Some other Causes of Halitosis may be:

Gallbladder dysfunction.
Extensive dental decay.
Periodontal (gum) disease.
Oral infections or abscesses.

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