Without proper oral hygiene, food particles and bacteria left in the mouth after eating can cause bad breath. It is important to learn the proper way to brush and floss, and then practice what you learn. Along with the damage that smoking does to our overall health, teeth and gums, it is also a cause of bad breath. Some drugs, such as antihistamines and decongestants cause bad breath by making your mouth dry. Dry mouth, which is explained next is a contributor to bad breath.
Dry mouth occurs when the flow of saliva decreases.
As previously mentioned, it can be a side effect of certain medications. Dry mouth can also be caused by salivary gland problems, excessive talking, exercising, dieting, smoking, continuous breathing through the mouth or drinking alcohol. To prevent and treat dry mouth it is helpful to drink lots of water or to use sugarless candy or gum. This will stimulate saliva flow that will then cleanse the mouth and remove particles and bacteria that cause odour. Individuals who suffer from gum disease are more prone to bad breath as it creates the perfect breeding ground for odour causing bacteria to flourish.