UNDERSTANDING BAD BREATH

Bad Breath

Bad breath, or halitosis, can be embarrassing and impact your confidence in social or professional settings. While gum, mints, and mouthwash may provide temporary freshness, they often mask the issue rather than fix it. Common causes include certain foods, poor oral hygiene, dry mouth, and underlying health conditions. Maintaining proper brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits can help manage mild cases. However, if the problem persists, it’s important to see your dentist to identify and treat the root cause.

IDENTIFYING THE SOURCE

Common Causes of Bad Breath

  • Food: Strong-smelling foods like onions, garlic, and spices can cause lingering odors as they enter the bloodstream and affect your breath.
  • Tobacco: Smoking and tobacco use produce unpleasant odors and increase the risk of gum disease.
  • Dental Hygiene: Poor brushing and flossing allow plaque and bacteria to build up, causing odor and gum irritation. Dirty dentures can also trap bacteria and food particles.
  • Dry Mouth: Reduced saliva flow, often caused by sleeping with your mouth open or certain medical conditions, leads to “morning breath” or chronic odor.
  • Medications: Some drugs cause dry mouth or release chemicals that affect breath.
  • Infections: Tooth decay, gum disease, or post-surgical wounds can cause bad breath.
  • Mouth, Nose, and Throat Issues: Tonsil stones, sinus infections, and throat inflammation can all contribute to odor.
  • Other Causes: Conditions such as GERD, metabolic disorders, or certain cancers may create distinct odors through chemical changes in the body.
FRESH BREATH STARTS WITH GOOD HABITS

Treating and Preventing Bad Breath

If you’re unsure about your breath, ask a trusted friend or family member for feedback. For prevention, brush your teeth and tongue after meals, floss daily, and stay hydrated to promote saliva production. Avoid tobacco, limit strong-smelling foods, and clean dentures regularly.


Persistent bad breath may indicate an underlying dental or medical issue—schedule a dental appointment to receive a proper diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.