Why Do I Have Bad Breath? Causes, Treatment & Prevention

05/08/2022

Why Do I Have Bad Breath? Causes, Treatment & Prevention

Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is a common oral health problem. It can happen occasionally after eating certain foods or when you wake up in the morning, but persistent bad breath can sometimes be a sign of an underlying dental or oral health problem.

If you regularly notice an unpleasant smell or taste in your mouth despite brushing your teeth, it is worth looking at the possible cause. In many cases, improving your oral hygiene and addressing problems such as plaque build-up or gum disease can make a significant difference.

What causes bad breath?

Most cases of bad breath originate in the mouth. Bacteria can break down food particles, plaque and other debris around the teeth, gums and tongue, producing unpleasant-smelling compounds.

Common causes of bad breath include:

Poor oral hygiene

Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth. If it is not removed effectively through brushing and cleaning between the teeth, it can build up and contribute to bad breath.

Good daily oral hygiene is an important part of preventive dentistry and can help reduce the risk of problems affecting your teeth and gums.

Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and clean between your teeth every day to remove plaque and trapped food.

Gum disease

Gum disease is another common reason for persistent bad breath.

When plaque accumulates around the gum line, it can cause inflammation. Early gum disease may cause red, swollen or bleeding gums. If it progresses, more advanced periodontal disease can damage the tissues and bone supporting your teeth.

Bad breath may occur alongside other symptoms such as:

• Bleeding gums
• Swollen or tender gums
• A persistent bad taste
• Receding gums
• Loose teeth
• Pus around the gums

If you are experiencing persistent bad breath together with gum problems, a dental assessment can help identify the cause.

For patients who require more advanced care, Oatlands Dental Lounge also provides access to a specialist periodontist for the assessment and management of periodontal conditions.

A coated tongue

Your tongue has a large surface area where bacteria, food particles and dead cells can collect. This can contribute to bad breath and an unpleasant taste.

Gently cleaning your tongue as part of your daily oral hygiene routine can help reduce this build-up.

Dry mouth

Saliva naturally helps cleanse your mouth and wash away food particles and bacteria. When saliva production is reduced, bacteria can accumulate more easily and contribute to bad breath.

Dry mouth can be caused by dehydration, certain medications, mouth breathing and other factors.

Drinking water regularly can help maintain moisture in your mouth. If you experience persistent dry mouth, speak to your dentist or doctor.

Food and drinks

Some foods can temporarily affect the smell of your breath. Garlic and onions are common examples.

Coffee, alcohol and strongly flavoured foods can also leave an unpleasant smell or taste.

This type of bad breath normally improves once the food or drink has been digested and normal oral hygiene is resumed.

Smoking and tobacco

Smoking can contribute to bad breath and can also increase the risk of gum disease and other oral health problems.

Stopping smoking can benefit your oral and general health. If you need support with quitting, speak with an appropriate healthcare professional.

Certain medicines

Some medicines can cause dry mouth as a side effect. Reduced saliva flow may then contribute to bad breath.

If you believe your medication is affecting your mouth, speak to your doctor or pharmacist before making any changes to your treatment.

Why is my breath worse in the morning?

Morning breath is extremely common.

While you sleep, saliva production decreases. This means bacteria and debris can remain in your mouth for longer, often resulting in an unpleasant smell when you wake up.

Brushing your teeth, cleaning your tongue and drinking water can usually help.

However, if your bad breath continues throughout the day despite maintaining good oral hygiene, it may be worth arranging a dental examination.

Can bad breath be a sign of gum disease?

Yes. Persistent bad breath can be associated with gum disease.

Gum disease develops when bacteria-containing plaque builds up around the teeth and gums. Without appropriate care, inflammation can become more serious and potentially affect the structures supporting your teeth.

You should speak to a dental professional if bad breath is accompanied by:

• Bleeding when brushing
• Red or swollen gums
• Gum recession
• Persistent bad taste
• Loose teeth
• Tooth sensitivity
• Swelling around the gums

Professional dental hygiene and regular dental examinations can help identify and manage plaque-related problems.

Oatlands Dental Lounge offers preventive dentistry designed to help patients maintain healthy teeth and gums through regular examinations, professional care and personalised oral hygiene advice.

How can I get rid of bad breath?

The right treatment depends on the underlying cause, but there are several things you can do to improve your oral health and reduce bad breath.

1. Brush your teeth twice a day

Brush for around two minutes twice a day using fluoride toothpaste.

Pay particular attention to the gum line and make sure you clean all accessible surfaces of your teeth.

2. Clean between your teeth every day

A toothbrush cannot effectively clean every area between your teeth.

Floss or interdental brushes can help remove food particles and plaque from these areas.

Your dentist or hygienist can recommend the most suitable method for your individual needs.

3. Clean your tongue

Gently cleaning your tongue can remove bacteria and debris that may contribute to bad breath.

There is no need to scrub aggressively. Gentle cleaning is sufficient.

4. Drink plenty of water

Drinking water regularly can help prevent your mouth from becoming dry and can help wash away food particles.

This can be particularly useful if you frequently experience dry mouth.

5. Stop smoking

Smoking can contribute to persistent bad breath and increase your risk of gum disease.

Giving up smoking is beneficial for your oral health as well as your wider health.

6. Visit your dentist and hygienist regularly

Regular professional care can help identify plaque build-up, gum disease, tooth decay and other potential causes of persistent bad breath.

Oatlands Dental Lounge provides preventive dental care to help patients maintain healthy teeth and gums and reduce their risk of oral health problems.

Can a dental hygienist help with bad breath?

A dental hygienist can be particularly helpful when bad breath is associated with plaque, tartar or gum health.

Professional cleaning can remove deposits that are difficult to remove with normal brushing alone. Your hygienist can also assess your oral hygiene routine and provide personalised advice about brushing and cleaning between your teeth.

If you have persistent bad breath, professional hygiene care may be one part of addressing the problem, but it is important to identify the underlying cause rather than simply masking the smell.

If you would like professional advice about your oral hygiene, you can contact Oatlands Dental Lounge to discuss your concerns.

When should I see a dentist about bad breath?

Occasional bad breath is usually nothing to worry about. However, you should consider arranging a dental appointment if your bad breath:

• Does not improve after you improve your oral hygiene
• Keeps returning
• Is accompanied by bleeding or swollen gums
• Causes a persistent bad taste
• Occurs alongside toothache
• Is associated with loose or sensitive teeth
• Is accompanied by swelling or pus
• Has no obvious explanation

A dental examination can help determine whether your bad breath is related to your teeth, gums or another oral health issue.

Oatlands Dental Lounge provides general dentistry for patients in Walton-on-Thames and the surrounding Weybridge area.

How can I prevent bad breath?

The best way to prevent bad breath is to maintain good oral hygiene and address dental problems before they become more serious.

Try to:

• Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
• Clean between your teeth every day
• Clean your tongue gently
• Drink plenty of water
• Avoid smoking
• Limit foods that cause temporary bad breath
• Attend regular dental examinations
• Visit a dental hygienist when recommended

Regular preventive care is important because plaque can contribute to both tooth decay and gum disease. Oatlands Dental Lounge recommends regular dental and hygiene care based on each patient’s individual needs and risk profile.

Concerned about persistent bad breath?

Bad breath is common, but persistent halitosis should not simply be masked with mints or mouthwash.

If your bad breath continues despite good oral hygiene, a dental examination can help identify the cause and determine whether you need further treatment.

At Oatlands Dental Lounge, our team provides preventive and general dental care, with access to specialist services when required.

Contact Oatlands Dental Lounge to arrange an appointment and discuss persistent bad breath with our dental team.

Frequently asked questions about bad breath

Is bad breath normal?

Occasional bad breath is common, especially after waking up or eating strongly flavoured foods.

Persistent bad breath, however, can sometimes indicate an oral health problem and should be investigated if it does not improve with good oral hygiene.

Why does my breath smell even after brushing?

Brushing your teeth removes plaque from many surfaces, but bacteria can remain on the tongue and between the teeth.

Persistent bad breath can also be associated with gum disease, dry mouth, tooth decay or other oral health conditions.

If your breath continues to smell despite good oral hygiene, speak to your dentist.

Does mouthwash get rid of bad breath?

Mouthwash may temporarily freshen your breath, but it does not necessarily treat the underlying cause.

If bad breath is related to plaque, gum disease, tooth decay or another dental problem, identifying and treating that problem is more important than simply masking the smell.

Can gum disease cause bad breath?

Yes. Gum disease can contribute to persistent bad breath and an unpleasant taste.

If you also have bleeding, swollen or receding gums, arrange a dental examination so the condition can be assessed.

Should I see a dentist or hygienist for bad breath?

Both can play an important role.

A dentist can investigate possible dental causes, while a hygienist can provide professional cleaning and personalised oral hygiene advice.

If the problem appears to be related to periodontal health, specialist periodontal assessment may also be appropriate.