Dental malodor, halitosis or bad breath is a common dental condition that affect everyone at one point in their lives. Granting that it is a usual problem, treating halitosis is vital for your health since it can be a symptom of an underlying disease. Bacteria thriving in the mouth is the major cause of halitosis bad breath. The foods we eat are usually linked to halitosis, but the truth is that they are mere factors that usher in halitosis or bad breath. To stop or prevent halitosis from emerging, it is vitally important to prevent the triggers that can give way to the condition. Some habits and factors that could trigger halitosis are:

* periodontal or gum disease that causes teeth to become loose, thereby creating pockets in the gums which harbor bacteria and leads to bad breath
* chronic lung or sinus infections
* breathing through your mouth because of enlarged tonsils or adenoids
* mouth infections such as candidiasis
* smoking
* alcohol
* dentures
* systemic diseases such as diabetes, liver disease, or kidney disorders
* pregnancy
* not brushing or flossing regularly
* certain medications that reduce the flow of saliva and dry out the mouth (e.g., some antidepressants, antipsychotics, antihistamines, decongestants, and medications to reduce high blood pressure).