Did you know that bad breath isn't just a simple smell? It can cause serious mouth infections and lead to dental problems over time. One of the main reasons for this is poor oral hygiene. If you don’t brush and floss regularly and thoroughly, plaque starts to build up on your teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria and food particles that forms on your teeth every day. When it’s not removed, that plaque becomes a breeding ground for bacteria that produce foul smells. These bacteria release gases that cause bad breath, but they can also harm your gums and teeth. This is why consistent brushing and flossing are so important—they keep plaque in check and limit bacteria growth. Dry mouth also plays a big role in causing bad breath. Saliva is a mouth’s natural cleaner. It washes away germs, food bits, and dead cells that can accumulate and cause odors. When your mouth doesn’t produce enough saliva, it becomes dry. This often happens if you're dehydrated or if you’re taking certain medicines, like antihistamines or some antidepressants. Without enough saliva, bacteria have an easier time multiplying because there’s less natural cleaning happening. The bacteria and dead cells that stick to your mouth can lead to bad smells and sometimes even increase your risk of infection. Speaking of infections, bad breath can be an early warning sign of gum disease or other oral infections.