Causes of Bad Breath Even After Brushing

Posted on July 30th, 2022 | Dr. Kerry Lowery

Many of us want to make a good first impression, however, if someone has bad breath, that is often the only thing we notice once we are close enough to pick up on it. In fact, many people who have bad breath find their professional and personal relationships are affected by it, especially if the odor is severe and frequent.

Causes of bad breath can include untreated illness, gum disease, infection, consuming foods with strong smells such as onions and garlic, dry mouth, and poor oral hygiene. If you follow a good oral care routine that includes brushing your teeth twice daily, flossing, and using mouthwash, and the problem still persists, there may be an underlying issue at play.

Dry mouth and mouth breathing can be other related causes to bad breath. When your mouth is continuously open due to mouth breathing habits, or medications taken with a side effect of decreasing salivary flow, then the body’s “normal” bathing of saliva in the oral cavity doesn’t occur, leading to bad breath. This type of bad breath cannot be brushed away.

Addressing The Problem

If you are suffering from bad breath and you follow a good oral care routine, the first step to addressing the issue is to schedule a dental exam. Having a dental exam allows your dentist to identify any issues that may be contributing to bad breath, such as gum disease or untreated cavities.

We all know that poor oral hygiene can be a source of bad breath. This is because food particles that sit on your teeth and gums for too long create bacteria in your mouth that cause a smell.

Additionally, eating strong-smelling foods can lead to odors lingering on your breath. The same can be said for alcohol, smoking, and tobacco use, which can also produce and exacerbate the problem. Tobacco use and smoking has also been linked to tooth decay and gum disease.

Can Cavities Cause Bad Breath?

Do cavities cause unpleasant breath? The simple answer is yes, and this is because tooth decay is caused by the build-up of bacteria. If you have untreated cavities, they can lead to bad breath, infection, and gum disease, even if you do your best to maintain good oral hygiene.

Does Gingivitis Cause Bad Breath?

Unpleasant breath can be caused by gingivitis because gum disease is caused by the build up of bacteria on your gum tissue, similar to cavities. Additionally, bacteria can hide beneath the gum line, causing inflammation, swelling, and infection.

Other Causes

Other causes of unpleasant breath include underlying diseases, such as periodontal disease, diabetes, dehydration, mouth breathing, infections, kidney issues, stomach acid reflux/GERD, postnasal drip, and more.

Dry mouth is another direct cause of bad breath and can be linked to dehydration, smoking, alcohol use, mouth breathing, medication, poor diet, etc. Lack of saliva allows bacteria to settle and build up in the mouth, leading to bad breath and increasing the risk of gum disease and cavities.

Ways to Reduce Bad Breath

The easiest way to improve the smell of your breath is to take care of your teeth and oral health. This means making sure you are following good brushing and flossing habits and visiting your dentist regularly for teeth cleanings.

Additionally, when caring for your teeth at home, it is important to brush your tongue or use a tongue scraper to help reduce the build-up of odor-causing bacteria. You may also find some improvement by using a mouthwash recommended by your dentist.

It is also important to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and prevent dry mouth. If you smoke or use tobacco, quitting will help improve your breath and oral health. Additionally, avoid foods that have a strong odor, such as onions, alcohol, garlic, and coffee, and foods that cause indigestion.

If these tips do not help to alleviate your bad breath, it may be a sign of an underlying issue that needs to be addressed by a dentist.

Beyond Smiles of Park Ridge – Visit Us Today

To determine what is causing your bad breath, schedule an appointment with Beyond Smiles of Park Ridge. Our team is here to help you get to the root of any dental issues that are preventing you from achieving optimal oral health. We’re your go-to source for Family Dental Care in Park Ridge!

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