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Bad breath (halitosis).(Adult Health Advisor)(Disease/Disorder overview)
- Article from:
- Clinical Reference Systems
- Article date:
- February 1, 2008
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2008 McKesson Health Solutions LLC. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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What causes bad breath?
Bad breath, also called halitosis, may be caused by many things. The most common cause is from not brushing and flossing your teeth daily. If you don't practice good oral hygiene after eating, food is left in your mouth. The food collects bacteria, rots, and causes a bad odor.
Bad breath can also be caused by eating foods such as garlic or onions. When these foods are digested and absorbed into the bloodstream, substances from the foods get into the air that you breathe out of your lungs. This can cause bad breath until all of the food is gone from your body. Other causes of bad breath are:
* tooth decay and gum disease ...