On average we tend to speak with at least 2-3 people per day – and they will smell your breath if your meetings aren’t on zoom. However, will they tell you if you have a bad breath? Probably not.
Bacteria – produce volatile sulfur compounds (hydrogen sulfide, methyl mercaptan, dimethyl sulfide). There are bacteria, especially at the back of our tongue, that can create compounds and then bad breath. Examining a child’s tongue – it’s usually pink and wet – that’s what it should look like. As we get older, many factors play their role and our tongues could end up looking whiter with a film/ coat covering them. That is the bacteria that create bad breath.
Periodontal disease – also known as gum disease, is a chronic infection in the gums and jawbone surrounding the teeth. It is proven to be a health risk and leads to dental problems, teeth loss and other potential systemic issues due to the localized plaque, tartar & loads of hidden bacteria under the gums.
Coffee, alcohol & tobacco will increase the bacteria in our mouth and induce dehydration. A dry mouth leads to bad breath.
A high sugar diet – increases the bad bacteria in our mouth, as well as candida overgrowth (yeast syndrome).
GERD (Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease) – if you have difficulty digesting your food, you have a strange taste in your mouth and you feel constantly burping, you might need to consult a specialist gastro enterologist. GERD causes bad breath too.
Recurrent sinus infections – could also create an overgrowth of bacteria that would eventually lead to bad breath. Sinus infections happen when fluid builds up in the air-filled pockets in the face.
Medications – such as antihistamines, asthma, antidepressants, acid blockers and so forth, often create bad breath. It could have a side effect of a dry mouth.
