Even Babies Can Have Bad Breath

But they usually don’t. There are reasons babies develop bad breath, but because they don’t have teeth bad breath is unusual in babies. So, is it your teeth that cause bad breath? Not your teeth per se, but the bacterial plaque that develops on your teeth, gums, and tongue.  Bad breath can be a result of other health problems, dental hygiene, and/ or other factors. Although even babies can have bad breath, they usually don’t. Do you have bad breath? Find out why.

What is Bad Breath?

Bad breath is most commonly caused by certain strong-odored foods you eat such as onions or garlic. When these foods are digested they are absorbed into your blood stream. Your blood is carried into your lungs and the odor is released through your breath. Nothing you do in these cases is going to eliminate onion or garlic breath, but you can mask the odor with gum, mints, or mouthwash until it passes from your system.

Poor Oral Hygiene

However, bad breath is also a result of poor oral hygiene. When you eat, food gets stuck in your teeth, in between your teeth and cheeks, and on your tongue. In fact, your tongue is a major source of bad breath. It is like a shag carpet that traps everything deep within. When you regularly brush your teeth and tongue, you remove the food debris and the harmful oral bacteria that build up daily. The bacteria, also called putrefying bacteria, feed on the food, sugars, and starches left over from what you eat and drink and produce a foul smell. Brushing after each meal, flossing daily, and rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash, will help keep bad breath cause by poor oral hygiene at bay.