Bad breath even after you brush your teeth?

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By Anna Murphy, DDS

Are you self-conscious about your breath? Do you have bad breath even after you brush your teeth? What is the difference between transient bad breath and halitosis? Let’s start with the last question.  Transient bad breath is temporary and usually caused by foods and beverages we consume (like garlic, onions, coffee, etc).  We can easily get rid of it by brushing, flossing, using a tongue scraper and /or mouth rinse.  Halitosis, or chronic bad breath, is usually caused by something more serious. 

There are several dental conditions that can cause halitosis:

  • Gum disease – gum disease, or periodontitis, usually stems from poor oral hygiene. The bacteria that live in plaque and tartar-buildup produce toxins that destroy bone around the teeth, creating deep pockets between gums and teeth. Volatile sulfur compounds are created in the deep pockets, which are responsible for the characteristic bad breath (sometimes referred to as “perio breath”). Untreated gum disease will lead to tooth loss.
  • Cavities – cavities are small holes in your teeth.  They do not directly cause halitosis but contribute to it.  Bacteria and food debris can get stuck in these holes and emit foul odor.
  • Dental abscess – a dental abscess (buildup of pus) can form when an infected tooth has not received proper dental care.  The abscess may start draining into the mouth causing bad taste and bad breath. 
  • Dry mouth - Not having enough saliva to cleanse the mouth can cause bad breath.  A simple example of that is when we sleep, salivary flow is decreased and that’s why we wake up with “morning breath.” Dry mouth, clinically known as Xerostomia, can be a side effect of some medications, or it can be caused by certain medical conditions. Tobacco, alcohol use, and excessive caffeine consumption can contribute to dry mouth, as well.  

There are medical conditions that may cause halitosis, such as:

Sinus infection, post-nasal drip, tonsil stones, tonsillitis, diabetes, or kidney disease. 

Treating Halitosis

Practicing good oral hygiene is the first step to reducing the risk of halitosis.  If you noticed your breath has not been so fresh lately, try brushing twice a day and flossing once a day. Flossing removes plaque and food debris that’s stuck between your teeth.  Imagine if you didn’t floss, the tiny pieces of meat stuck between your teeth will start to smell like decomposing meat!

Besides practicing good oral hygiene, make sure you drink plenty of water, reduce the intake of caffeinated and alcoholic drinks, quit smoking and avoid mouth rinses that contain alcohol.  Chewing sugar-free gum may help increase saliva by stimulating salivary glands. 

Also, make sure you see your dentist for regular checkups.  He or she can play a detective and determine if your bad breath is caused by dental or medical conditions.  If your halitosis is thought to be caused by an underlying medical condition, your dentist will likely refer you to your primary care physician. 

Disclosure: This blog is designed to give you general information and understanding of dentistry.  Do not use information found on this website to initiate your own treatment. By using this website, you understand that there is no doctor-patient relationship between you and the Blog/Web Site publisher.  Although I am a dentist and publish articles pertaining to dentistry, the information on this website is not intended to diagnose, prescribe, or treat any disease, condition, illness, or injury. Before implementing any information I provide to you, you should seek advice from your own licensed medical professional. This blog/website occasionally receives compensation, discounts, and/or complimentary items or services in exchange for a review or promotion.  Additionally, I occasionally use affiliate links for products that I recommend, which means that if you purchase anything through my affiliate links, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.  I only promote or endorse products or services that I honestly believe in and recommend. Full disclosure available HERE.

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