It is certainly not something to be ignored as it can have various causes as simple as bad oral hygiene to serious medical illness.
Some people may not be aware of their halitosis and learn about it from a relative or a friend, causing discomfort and distress as bad breath is not socially acceptable. In chronic cases, bad breath may negatively impact personal relationships and quality of life.
A visit to a dentist may help rule out any periodontal cause and identify any oral problem that could be a contributing factor. Bad breath is typically caused by bacteria present on the teeth and debris on the tongue. So it’s no surprise that most cases of halitosis are associated with poor oral hygiene, gum diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis, and dry mouth, a condition in which there is a deficiency of saliva to keep your mouth moist. Tobacco and certain foods and drinks like garlic, onion, alcohol, coffee also influence breath.
Bad breath is mainly caused by excessive amounts of Volatile Sulphur Compounds (VSCs) being produced by bacteria in the mouth. The amount of VSCs in a person’s breath can vary greatly during the day and is influenced by factors such as eating, drinking, sleeping and the effect of these activities on saliva flow.
Studies show that up to 50% of adults suffer from objectionable mouth odour early in the morning before breakfast or toothbrushing. The reason for this is that saliva incubates bacteria in the mouth during sleep when saliva flow is reduced. People with periodontal disease exhibit raised odour intensity due to the incubation of saliva and micro-organisms in periodontal pockets.
Tonsillitis, respiratory infections such as sinusitis/bronchitis, and some gastrointestinal diseases may also be responsible for bad breath. Advanced liver or kidney disease and uncontrolled diabetes can also lead to unpleasant breath. In these cases, a person is also likely to experience other significant symptoms beyond bad breath and should seek medical advice.