Brushing your teeth cannot prevent bad breath.
Respiratory system infections such as bronchitis, sinusitis and pneumonia can cause bad breath.
Bad breath can be extremely embarrassing, especially in crowds or during intimate moments with your partner. You would think that brushing your teeth twice a day would eliminate it, but in some cases it persists even after brushing. So what is the reason for this and why does it happen? Research has proven that brushing your teeth after waking up and before going to bed prevents gum disease and tooth decay, but it cannot prevent bad breath. Here are some causes of bad breath.
Respiratory system infections: Respiratory system infections such as bronchitis, sinusitis and pneumonia can cause bad breath. In these infections, bacteria proliferate in the respiratory tract and produce odour molecules that are released when you breathe.
Digestive system problems: Digestive disorders such as acid reflux, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and stomach ulcers can lead to the development of bad breath. Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid backs up into the oesophagus, causing bad breath. A study conducted by the University of Adelaide found that individuals with GERD are more likely to suffer from bad breath compared to others.
Diabetes: Diabetes is caused by high blood sugar levels, which can lead to various problems including bad breath. Severe diabetes can cause a characteristic fruity smell in the breath known as acetone breath. A study published in the Journal of Diabetes Investigation confirms the link between diabetes and bad breath. Lowering blood sugar levels is the only way to cure bad breath.
Kidney problems: When bad water in the body mixes with the kidneys, it affects the kidneys. Also, it causes mixing of toxins in the blood. This leads to bad breath, which is called uremic breath, according to a study conducted by researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles. Doctors have warned that this stench can also be a symptom of the disease.
Liver damage: Liver damage, including fatty liver, is also cited as a cause of bad breath. Bad breath is caused due to the accumulation of toxins in the body. It can accumulate in the body when the liver is not functioning properly, leading to bad breath. If the bad breath does not go away even after cleaning the mouth several times, this could also be the cause.