The mouth is a breeding ground for bacteria, and without consistent oral hygiene, it can result in foul-smelling breath and potentially more serious health issues.Bad breath can be caused by multiple factors, including improper oral hygiene or eating unpleasant smelling foods such as onions or garlic. Halitosis, the clinical name for bad breath, can affect anyone. A University of Alabama at Birmingham expert says if a person is experiencing chronic halitosis — bad breath that will not go away — it could be a warning message from the body.

“A majority of halitosis is caused by bacteria in the mouth, but it could also be an indicator to other health issues that may need to be addressed,” said Nicolaas Geurs, DDS, dean of the UAB School of Dentistry. “If someone is experiencing chronic bad breath, they should speak with their dental hygienist or dentist about possible causes.”

Health conditions

Potential causes for bad breath could include a number of health disorders.

• Heartburn can cause the breath to smell sour as a result of the acid
• A small intestine bacterial overgrowth could create a feces smell
• Diabetes could create a fruity smell as a result of ketones being released in the breath
• An ammonia or fish smell could be indicative of kidney failure
• A musty-sweet smell could be caused by liver disease

These medical conditions can impact an individual’s health, so it is important to seek medical attention if any of these symptoms persist.

You smell like what you eat

Other sources of bad breath can include what is being eaten. Strong smelling foods such as onions, coffee, cheeses and sugary drinks can lead to unpleasant odors. Garlic is a big contributor to bad breath because, when eaten, it is taken up into an individual’s system and then is excreted out as a gas from the lungs, creating an even bigger obstacle to overcoming bad breath.

While one is eating, food can get trapped in between teeth and on the tongue and can begin to rot if not removed by flossing, creating more opportunities for bad breath.

“Garden of Eden” for bacteria

The mouth is breeding ground for bacteria or, as Geurs calls it, the “Garden of Eden” to bacteria. The mouth has high humidity and high temperatures, carbon dioxide tension is optimal, and there is a daily abundance of nutrients from the food items that are eaten. Where there are bacteria, there is the opportunity for gum disease and tooth decay.

“This is why it is so important to make sure that each of us is removing the bad bacteria from the mouth multiple times a day,” Geurs said. “How can one do this? Good oral hygiene — brushing your teeth and flossing.”

Sulfur-producing bacteria can live in the mouth and can cause gases that come with their own unique fragrances.

• Hydrogen sulfide is a gas that is produced by bacteria in plaque and causes breath to smell like rotten eggs.
• Methyl mercaptan is produced by bacteria in the gums and causes a feces smell.
• Dimethyl sulfide is a gas produced by bacteria in the throat and can create a smell of gasoline or rotten cabbage.

If bacteria are not removed, the gums can become inflamed and can cause gum disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 60 percent of adults 65 years and older had gum disease between 2009-2014. With proper oral hygiene, gum disease can be preventable.

At-home treatments

Bacteria that cause bad breath and can lead to gum disease and tooth decay. These diseases can be prevented through good oral hygiene and maintenance visits with your dentist and dental hygienist. The UAB dentistry clinics offer many services and are accepting new patients. To learn more, click here.

“It is very important that you come up with a daily oral hygiene routine that you cannot afford to live without,” Geurs said. In addition to brushing, cleaning in between your teeth is a key step to at-home treatment for bad breath as it helps remove food particles lodged on or between teeth. Consistent flossing habits may contribute to a reduced risk of various diseases, including heart disease — the leading cause of death in Alabama.

To learn more about the hidden benefits of flossing and how it can affect an individual’s overall health, click here.