Everyone experiences bad breath at one point in time. Whether you have forgotten to brush your teeth, you smoke cigarettes, or you have recently eaten garlic, onions, or fish, you may develop a foul odor in the mouth. Unfortunately, an estimated 25 percent of people suffer from a chronic form of bad breath. Also known as halitosis, chronic bad breath can cause both discomfort and embarrassment. While mostly caused by improper oral hygiene, halitosis may also stem from some surprising conditions. Here are a few surprising causes of halitosis.

Diet

If you consume an excessive amount of smelly foods, you will most likely have bad breath. This unappealing odor is usually easy to eradicate with brushing and rinsing. However, following certain diets will cause you to have chronic halitosis even when taking good care of your oral health.

Following a diet high in protein or dairy products can increase production of bacteria in the mouth. Also, a low-carb diet may help you lose weight, but this diet produces fat-burning ketones, which can smell unpleasant in the mouth.

If you eat large quantities of smelly foods or follow a special diet that can cause halitosis, be sure to brush your teeth and use mouthwash after each meal.

Alcohol

While it is something you consume, alcohol is not a common part of most people's diet. Unfortunately, consuming even one or more alcoholic beverages can cause you to have bad breath.

Alcohol dries out the mouth, decreasing any saliva that is present. Without this saliva, your mouth will not be able to rinse away food particles and bacteria. In addition, the dry and warm environment will become a breeding ground for harmful bacteria that can lead to tartar, decay, and gum disease.

Consider rinsing your mouth out after consuming wine, beer, and other alcoholic beverages. Make sure to visit your dentist regularly for routine cleanings and exams. This is especially important if you are a heavy consumer of alcoholic beverage.

Medical Conditions

Certain medical conditions that affect your health can also lead to chronic bad breath.

Digestive disorders, which can cause stomach acids and undigested food to back up into the throat and mouth, such as acid reflux and GERD, can lead to foul-smelling breath.

If you have diabetes, you may also have halitosis. Diabetes prevents your body from stabilizing insulin, which leads to a weakened immune system that cannot fight bacteria, infections, cavities, and gum disease.

Halitosis may not be a serious condition, but it can wreak havoc on your self-esteem. By learning a few surprising causes, you will be able to diagnose and prevent this chronic bad breath. Contact a dental clinic, like Lake Pleasant Dentistry, for more help.