According to experts, the cause is not only in oral hygiene but may also stem from many potential health problems.
According to Dr. Harold Katz, dental expert and founder of the California Respiratory Treatment Center (USA), about 80-90% of bad breath cases originate from the oral cavity, while the rest are related to systemic diseases. He believes that just brushing teeth without cleaning the tongue and taking care of the gums will make it difficult to completely eliminate odor-causing bacteria.
Experts point out 7 common but less noticed causes including: plaque on the tongue, gingivitis or periodontitis, dry mouth due to drinking little water or drug side effects, tooth decay and food stuck, tonsils, gastroesophageal reflux and smoking. These factors create conditions for bacteria to break down protein, producing volatile sulfur compounds that cause unpleasant odors.
In addition, a diet high in onions, garlic, coffee, or skipping breakfast can also make breath smell worse. Some diseases such as diabetes, chronic sinusitis, or liver and kidney diseases can also manifest as prolonged bad breath.
Experts recommend that if you have properly cleaned your mouth but your breath still smells for many weeks, people should go to a dental facility or the Ear, Nose and Throat specialist department for examination. Detecting and treating the cause correctly not only helps improve breathing but also contributes to early detection of many underlying diseases, protecting long-term health.
