Bad breath can be caused by a variety of dental issues. This includes infections, gum disease, cavities, dry mouth, oral cancer, and periodontitis.

What causes bad breath

Bad breath is caused by a variety of factors. It’s often linked with poor dental hygiene, but it can be caused by more serious health problems as well. Other common causes of bad breath include dry mouth, sinus issues, and smoking or chewing tobacco. If you suffer from chronic bad breath, make an appointment with your dentist. They can help diagnose the cause of your bad breath and recommend an effective treatment.

Poor Dental Hygiene

Not keeping up with your oral hygiene regimen can lead to bad breath problems. Your tongue, gums and teeth should be cleaned every day. If you don’t brush or floss them regularly, bacteria can build up and cause a bad odor in your mouth.

We recommend brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes at a time with fluoride toothpaste. Flossing should be done at least once per day, preferably before bedtime when plaque buildup is at its highest. If you skip flossing, you're more likely to have bad breath.

You should also visit your dentist every six months for a cleaning and checkup. During these appointments, we can remove plaque and tartar from hard-to-reach places to prevent gum disease and other oral health issues. If left untreated, these conditions can contribute to bad breath. They can also make your breath smell bad as bacteria build up in your gums, teeth and mouth.

Lastly, make sure you’re drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Staying hydrated can help your mouth produce enough saliva to wash away food particles and remove bacteria that cause bad breath.

If you do these things and still have problems with bad breath, you should schedule an appointment at our practice. We can perform a clinical examination to be sure you don’t have a health issue that’s causing the problem. We also recommend cleaning your tongue to get rid of bacteria and freshen your breath.

Food & Drink

In many cases, food and drink are the culprit for bad breath. Alcoholic drinks and coffee are two of the most well-known offenders, but other foods such as onions, garlic, and certain spices can be to blame as well. If you consume these foods in excess or frequently, then you may develop bad breath as a result. If you’ve noticed that certain foods trigger your bad breath, then it’s a good idea to limit how often you consume them or eliminate them from your diet altogether. Of course, you still need to eat a healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, but eliminating specific foods may help improve your breath in the meantime.

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Bad Breath Causes

In many cases, food and drink are the culprit for bad breath. Alcoholic drinks and coffee are two of the most well-known offenders, but other foods such as onions, garlic, and certain spices can be to blame as well. If you consume these foods in excess or frequently, then you may develop bad breath as a result. If you've noticed that certain foods trigger your bad breath, then it's a good idea to limit how often you consume them or eliminate them from your diet altogether. Of course, you still need to eat a healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, but eliminating specific foods may help improve your breath in the meantime.

If your bad breath doesn’t improve after you’ve made adjustments to your diet, you may want to schedule a consultation with your dentist so you can come up with an effective treatment plan together. In the meantime, be sure to brush your teeth twice a day and floss between teeth at least once per day to get rid of food particles that contribute to bad breath.

Gum Disease

When bacteria grow under the gum line, it can cause damage to the gums and the bones that support teeth. This damage can have several side effects, including inflammation, bleeding, or loosening of the teeth. All of these side effects can leave you with bad breath. So, if you’re suffering from bad breath, it’s especially important to visit your dentist for an exam to ensure you don’t have gum disease.

If you’re experiencing any symptoms of gum disease, call us right away. We’re always here to help!

Dry Mouth

Many patients who take certain medications suffer from dry mouth, and this can cause bad breath. If you suffer from dry mouth because of medication, tell your dentist. There are ways to help you combat persistent dry mouth. If dry mouth is a cause of your bad breath, be sure to clean your mouth out thoroughly after meals or snacks to remove the food particles from in between the teeth and gums. Rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash can also help kill bacteria that might be hiding in the gums, tongue, or cheeks where brushing can’t reach.

By visiting the dentist regularly you can ensure your teeth stay healthy and strong. If you suspect your oral health might be the cause of your bad breath, make an appointment with your dentist today!