Your dentist can help identify the cause and, if it's due to an oral condition, can develop a treatment plan to eliminate this common source of embarrassment. What you eat affects the air you exhale. Certain foods, such as garlic and onions, contribute to objectionable breath odor. Once the food is absorbed into the bloodstream, it is transferred to the lungs, where it is expelled. Brushing, flossing and mouthwash will only mask the odor temporarily.
Odors continue until the body eliminates the food.
Dieters may develop unpleasant breath from infrequent eating. If you don't brush and floss daily, particles of food remain in the mouth, collecting bacteria, which can cause bad breath. Food that collects between the teeth, on the tongue and around the gums can rot, leaving an unpleasant odor. Dentures that are not cleaned properly can also harbor odor-causing bacteria and food particles. Periodontal disease is caused by plaque, the sticky, colorless film of bacteria that constantly forms on teeth.