| Bacteria feed on a cocktail of proteins, food debris and dead skin cells found between teeth and around the mouth. Within hours of oral care, bacteria multiply, building up on the teeth surfaces and around the mouth. Inadequate oral hygiene allows this build up to continue. Thriving in a warm, oxygen-free environment, bacteria accumulate and stick to one another to form a biofilm. At the same time a film of plaque bacteria generates on the teeth. If not removed thoroughly, they will cause tooth decay and gingivitis. They are also responsible for expelling foul-smelling gases resulting in bad breath.
There are also many other factors which can cause our breath to smell such as:-
- What we consume - food breath can be avoided by omitting strong smelling foods such as garlic, onions, fatty foods and alcohol (which has a drying effect on the mouth)
- Meal-skipping (especially breakfast) - overcome by eating and drinking regularly
- Stress
- Illness or hormonal changes
- Inadequate fluids
- Medications that dry the mouth
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