8 unexpected causes of bad breath

Bad breath is closely related to diet, but the causes of bad breath are not as simple as diet.

1. Drinking alcohol can make bad breath worse

Alcohol is a diuretic. Drinking too much will hinder the secretion of saliva. Saliva contains substances that decompose "odorous bacteria", so drinking too much will aggravate bad breath. Drinking more water after drinking can alleviate bad breath caused by drinking.

Dr. Emery said that many mints claim to freshen breath and eliminate bad breath, but in fact they do more harm than good. Once the menthol is gone from the mouth, the bad taste in the mouth will quickly return and intensify. Most mints contain sucrose, which is a "food for bacteria". When bacteria break down sugar, they release sulfides, which aggravate bad breath.

Dr. Emery said that eating too much meat will result in protein intake exceeding the body's needs, and the body will break it down into carbohydrates for energy. The decomposition process produces ammonia (urine smell), which is excreted from the body through the mouth.

Dried fruits contain sugars that promote the growth and development of bacteria, as well as insoluble dietary fiber. If you do not clean the gaps between your teeth in time after eating, the gaps between your teeth will become a breeding ground for bacteria.

Once bacteria settle on the teeth, they form plaque, which must be removed promptly. Dental plaque not only causes tooth decay, but also leads to bad breath.

Foul-smelling secretions in your nasal passages can also cause bad breath. Sinus infections, certain types of bacteria present in the nose and sinus cavities may also cause a foul odor.

If enough microorganisms and food debris accumulate, tonsil stones can form. These stones have a bad smell and can cause bad breath.

Stomach problems can also cause bad breath. The main route is through acid reflux, which is the backflow of stomach acid and other stomach contents from the stomach into the esophagus.