Four Causes of Bad Breath You May Not Know About, According to Your Dentist

Maria Marzo DDS • Feb 14, 2018

Halitosis is something everyone deals with almost daily, and in most cases, it’s a temporary problem that goes away after brushing your teeth. Sometimes, however, it takes more than just brushing alone to get rid of bad breath no matter how much toothpaste you use. That creamy latte you had this morning and the garlicky meal you had at lunch might not be the culprits, but something else that has to do with your oral health. Here are some causes of bad breath that may surprise you.

Leaving Tooth Decay Untreated

Despite what many people believe, tooth decay doesn’t always result in pain, and it might very well be the reason why you have halitosis. Cavities tend to be accompanied by an odorous scent that no amount of brushing can keep at bay. Food can get lodged into those holes, triggering halitosis indirectly. Remember, dental cavities may only begin to hurt when they grow very large, affect the nerve or cause a tooth fracture, but don’t wait until then to visit a dentist serving Bath, NY for treatment.

Using Too Much Mouthwash

Mouthwash products are marketed as the quickest solution to bad breath, but you might want to cut back on them. See, the mouth is home to both good bacteria and bad bacteria. The latter is what’s causing bad breath and should rightfully be flushed out, but most if not all kinds of mouthwash cannot differentiate one from the other. This leads to bacteria overgrowth and is made even worse by the alcohol content that dries the mouth.

Dry Mouth Due to Dehydration

Speaking of dry mouths, lack of fluids and saliva could also be the reason for your halitosis. In fact, dehydration is considered as the leading cause for bad breath apart from poor dental hygiene. If you don’t drink enough water, food remains in the mouth longer, attracting more bacteria to feed on it. The best way to counter its effect is to keep hydrated or at least eat sugar-free gum and candies that stimulate saliva flow. Mouth breathers be warned—that can also dry up your mouth and cause bad breath!

Lack of Dental Appliance Care

This doesn’t only apply to people with braces or retainers; anybody with orthodontic appliances like dentures and bridges can be affected too. Maintaining your dental appliance should be part of your daily routine, otherwise it could become a host to bacteria. Food particles stuck between the material are known to cause higher amount of plaque accumulation. Make sure to ask your dentist how best you can care for your appliance to avoid this.

Bad breath can easily be prevented through a proper dental care routine and regular visits to your dentist. Don’t let halitosis progress into something worse before taking action.

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