10 Causes of Bad Breath
Cause #1: Plaque
Oral plaque or the sticky film of pathogens (i.e. bacteria) that forms on your teeth, gums, and tongue is one of the most common causes of halitosis. It can be whitish, yellowish, or colorless. Plaque is a result of poor oral hygiene and it is mostly made up of fluids, food debris, bacteria, and sugars. Furthermore, in people with good oral hygiene, odor- producing biofilm is usually found at the back of the tongue. Deep tongue cleaning can be instrumental in managing symptoms.
Aside from halitosis, the consequences of the buildup of this biofilm include gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is a disease that involves the inflammation of the gingiva (gums around the teeth), that if untreated, can progress to periodontitis. The latter involves the inflammation of the tissues that support the teeth (periodontium), which can lead to tooth loss.
