What are the factors that lead to halitosis? It’s simple — the vast majority of bad breath problems begin in the mouth.

· Bad breath that comes from the mouth can be traced to an anaerobic sulfur compound produced by bacteria. Dead and dying bacterial cells typically release this sulfur compound, which gives the breath a foul odor.

· Bacterial plaque, debris and food waste accumulate on the back of the tongue. The tongue’s surface is extremely rough, its sensitivity discourages us from cleaning it, and bacteria take root easily in the cracks and crevices.

· Unfriendly bacteria rapidly produce large amounts of sulfur compounds in this area, making the back of the tongue a frequent culprit for bad breath.

· The teeth and gums also attract bacteria containing plaque and debris, and if not cleaned regularly and thoroughly, can involve large accumulations of bacteria which also can cause bad breath.

· People who suffer from periodontitis disease often experience bad breath, because the bacteria gathers in areas that are hard to clean, such as deep pockets and fissures below the gum line.

· Fortunately, the right treatment can be very effective for people whose bad breath originate in the mouth.

Other reasons for bad breath are:

· Sinus or respiratory infections

· A distinctive acetone smell that arises in cases of diabetes

· A fishy odor that arises in cases of kidney disease

· Liver problems

· Digestive disorders, such as a food intolerance

· Diets that leads to ketosis, such as the Atkins diet, and fasting-related bad odors that arise from a similar process (burning fat instead of glucose).