For most of us, bad breath comes from gases produced by bacteria which accumulate in our mouth, teeth, gums and tongue. These gases contain sulfur which causes their odor.
But there could be other things at the root of your bad breath:
Your tongue – Brush your tongue when you brush your teeth. And try a tongue scraper…a great way to to remove bacteria from the back of your tongue.
Your nose – Sinus infections or the presence of bacteria in your nose and sinus cavities cause smelly secretions from your nasal passages – which may be a cause of bad breath. Using a saline nasal wash can help, but if this problem persists, you may want to see an ear, nose and throat specialist.
Your diet – Garlic and onions contain compounds that are taken into the blood cells and expelled through the lungs. So, your breath actually smells, not just your mouth.
Tonsil stones – Tonsilloliths or tonsil stones, consist of lymph tissue and bacteria that reside in the back of the throat. They are filled with crevices where bacteria accumulates. If enough bacteria get caught, these smelly tonsil stones can definitely contribute to halitosis.
Your stomach – If none of the above is the cause of your bad breath, or if it persists, see your doctor. In some cases, stomach problems, such as acid reflux, can cause bad breath.
Have you visited your dentist lately? A good dental check-up may reveal plaque and dental decay.