Bad breath, also known as halitosis, affects 1 in 4 people. It is a common misconception that bad breath is solely caused by poor dental hygiene. The truth is that there are many other reasons that can cause bad breath. 

 

It is important to note that getting bad breath from time to time is absolutely normal. However, persistent bad breath, chronic halitosis, could be a sign of a deeper oral health issue or a problem within a different part of the body. Bad breath should be perceived as a warning sign from the body when something is not okay whether in the mouth or elsewhere. 

 

In order to treat bad breath properly, it is important to first find its root cause. It is not uncommon for bad breath to be strictly linked to poor dental hygiene but there are instances when the cause is much deeper than that. We have compiled a list of potential causes of bad breath below. In addition, we have added some tips to get rid of bad breath when it is caused by poor dental hygiene. 

Causes of Bad Breath

Poor oral hygiene is often the culprit of bad breath. There are cases when the root cause is deeper than meets the eye. Those cases include the following. 

Dry Mouth

Saliva is a natural mouth washer. Sometimes the body does not produce enough saliva and this can lead to dry mouth. Dry mouth can quickly turn into bad breath. Smokers often experience this issue. Certain medications can also make the mouth dry. 

Gum Disease

Gum disease can manifest in redness of the gums, swelling, and bleeding. It can also cause bad breath. Getting bi-annual checkups and cleanings is a great way to combat gum disease and the bad breath caused by it. 

Infections in Nose, Throat, or Lungs

Infections that take place in the nose, throat, or lungs can also bring with them a foul smell of the breath. Infections should never be left untreated. If your bad breath is caused due to infection, it should go away once the body has healed. 

Head and Neck Cancers

Head and neck cancers often arise with symptoms such as sores that don’t heal, difficulty swallowing, mouth pain, a lump in the neck, and fast weight loss. It is also common for these cancers to bring along bad breath. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned, please seek medical help immediately. 

GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)

This is a disorder that causes stomach acid and fluid to leak back to the esophagus. It can be a cause bad breath. 

Diabetes

Patients that suffer from diabetes tend to have an increased risk of gum disease. As mentioned above, gum disease often brings forth bad breath. 

Other Issues

There are other general health issues such as tonsil stones, liver disease, kidney disease, Sjogren’s syndrome, and others that can cause bad breath. Therefore, if bad breath is continuous, it is important to get things looked at to dismantle the root cause. 

Tips to Get Rid of Bad Breath

The most crucial thing to remember is that if bad breath is persistent and comes accompanied by other symptoms, getting your mouth looked at by a dentist is your first priority. If you think that your bad breath may be due to poor oral hygiene, you can follow some of the below tips to get rid of bad breath at home. 

Brushing Teeth

Tooth brushing should be taking place twice a day. Each session should last at least two minutes. If you need help with the technique, our team is happy to give you some tips on the best methods when you come in for your cleaning. Please, don’t be shy to ask! 

Flossing Teeth

Teeth should be flossed at least once per day. The floss is able to reach the areas that the brush cannot and therefore removes gunk that could cause damage if left in there. 

Scraping The Tongue

This is a less common oral hygiene practice than we would like it to be. Tongue scraping is super important in removing bacteria from the mouth that can cause bad odor. We recommend scraping the tongue at least once a day. 

Bi-Annual Cleanings

Even with the perfect at-home oral hygiene habits, plaque can still build on the teeth. Bi-annual cleanings are key in making sure that everything is squeaky clean in the mouth. These cleanings also provide opportunities for any deeper issues to be found and treated before they escalate. We cannot stress enough the importance of prioritizing bi-annual cleanings.

Boost the Production of Saliva

There are some simple ways that can help your body to produce more saliva. These include chewing sugar-free gum, eating healthy foods, and drinking plenty of water. This will help reduce the dryness in the mouth. 

Avoid Smoking, Drinking Alcohol, and Drinking Caffeine

Tobacco, alcohol, and caffeine significantly reduce your body’s ability to produce saliva. We recommend avoiding these three altogether. 

 

If these tips do not help diminish your bad breath, please seek dental or medical assistance as soon as possible. There is a high chance that your ongoing bad breath could be caused by a deeper health problem. Chronic bad breath should not be taken lightly. The sooner you find the root cause, the easier it will be to treat it. Our team is here to help you figure out the best course of action for your individual case.