What Causes Bad Breath?

February 15, 2023

No one wants to have bad breath, but the reality is that our mouths house a lot of bacteria, so bad breath can happen naturally from time to time.

However, if you have chronic bad breath or notice your breath still doesn’t seem fresh even after brushing and flossing, there could be another issue going on. What are some of the top causes of bad breath? Here’s why your mouth may seem less than minty fresh and what you can do about it!

You Have Dry Mouth

Saliva is a crucial component of a healthy smile. It washes away food particles, helps balance oral bacteria, and can even help prevent the buildup of plaque on the teeth.

When you have dry mouth, your breath can get a little stinky [1]. Dry mouth can be temporary or chronic, but either way, it’s important to investigate the cause and be sure you’re drinking plenty of water to protect both your body and your teeth.

If you have chronic dry mouth, your dentist can help you combat the effects and provide some helpful tips to protect your smile and freshen your breath.

You’re Not Flossing

If you’re not flossing your teeth, you’re missing a significant part of your smile when you clean your mouth. Flossing allows you to remove plaque and food particles from the small spaces between two teeth.

Flossing is one of the simplest ways to help reduce bad breath [2]. Unlike brushing, you only need to floss your teeth once a day for best results. It doesn’t matter when you floss or what flossing tool you use, as long as you are flossing regularly.

You Haven’t Been to the Dentist in a While

Although you can take the best care of your teeth at home, it’s still important to visit your dentist for professional teeth cleanings. Your dentist can not only evaluate your smile for gum disease and tooth decay—two things that can contribute to bad breath—but they will also have a hygienist clean your smile to remove plaque and tartar from areas you may have missed while cleaning.

By keeping your regular dental visits, you can prevent bad breath and maintain a beautiful smile.

You Have Gum Disease

Chronic bad breath is a symptom of gum disease, also called periodontal disease, which causes the gum tissue to swell and pull away from the teeth due to plaque buildup [3].

Gum disease is especially common in adults over the age of 30, and your risk of periodontal disease increases with age. Your dentist can evaluate your smile for signs of gum disease and ask you about any symptoms you may be experiencing.

As with many health issues, catching gum disease early can improve your treatment success and prevent long-term damage to your smile.

Your Lunch Turned Your Breath Sour

Certain foods can cause bad breath, especially pungent foods such as fish, garlic, and onions. However, beverages can cause bad breath as well, especially alcoholic drinks and coffee, two beverages that can lead to dry mouth.

If your breath is less than fresh after consuming any of these foods and drinks, an easy way to help improve your breath is to chew sugarless gum after your meal [4]. Soon, your breath will start smelling better!

Don’t Ignore Chronic Bad Breath

If you have bad breath more often than not, don’t ignore it—schedule an appointment with your dentist to ensure your smile is healthy and talk to your oral healthcare professional about more ways you can combat bad breath!