You brush thoroughly, perhaps even use mouthwash afterwards, but within a few hours your breath starts to smell again. It is unpleasant to realize, but if you have tried and tried again to get rid of bad breath, the reason lies elsewhere.
Common bad breath causes are often poorly targeted by brushing techniques
Brushing teeth properly removes plaque from the teeth surfaces, but bad breath or halitosis may be caused by other sources such as:
- Tongue coating
- Tartar buildup
- Dry mouth
- Gum disease
- Cracked teeth
- Food that is known to cause bad breath
- Smoking and other tobacco use
The tongue, particularly the back third of the tongue, harbors bacteria that thrive on the proteins found in food debris and dead cells that accumulate in the crevices of the tongue. This creates odorous sulfur compounds that are characteristic of bad breath. Mechanical removal of the coating from the tongue can help many people significantly. Tongue cleaners or specially designed soft brushes can be used for this purpose.
Gum disease, ranging from mild gingivitis to severe periodontitis, can also be a contributor to bad breath, as the bacteria that inhabit pockets between teeth and gums, especially those deeper below the gum line, are difficult to remove by ordinary brushing.
Dry mouth
Saliva washes away food debris and bacteria that would otherwise create bad breath. Many people sleep with their mouths open and therefore have reduced saliva flow during the night, allowing bacteria to proliferate during sleep and create morning breath. The same can happen as a result of certain medications that reduce saliva flow.
Food that is known to cause bad breath
Some food, such as garlic and onions, contains sulfur compounds that are absorbed into the bloodstream and subsequently exhaled through the lungs, causing bad breath. Tobacco use also contributes to bad breath.
Cracked teeth and cavities that are larger than usual may act as a reservoir for bacteria that contribute to bad breath.
Other causes of bad breath that are not related to the teeth and gums include various sinus problems or other digestive tract problems. In these cases, brushing and mouthwash will not help much. If bad breath persists despite these measures, it is important to consult your dentist, who can determine whether there is an underlying cause of bad breath other than poor oral hygiene.
What can I do about it?
- Brushing properly at least two times a day, including gently massaging the gum line
- Brushing your tongue
- Removing plaque from between your teeth with floss or interdental brushes
- Drinking enough fluids
- Avoiding prolonged use of mouthwash that only masks the problem
Even if you do everything right, there are still places that you cannot reach with your toothbrush. This applies especially to areas along and under the gum line, where plaque and food debris accumulate. Tartar, a hard calculus that forms from plaque, can also be found in these areas. Only a dentist can remove plaque and tartar from all teeth. This is why regular dental visits for professional cleaning and polishing are essential. In this way, the dentist not only removes the causative agent of bad breath, but also checks the condition of the gums, looking for early signs of gum disease that requires treatment. In addition, the dentist can detect the source of bad breath inside the mouth that may require special attention, such as cavities or improperly fitting dentures.
Bad breath rarely occurs on its own
If you feel that your efforts to get rid of it are not giving the desired result, do not despair. This means that there is a local cause of bad breath, such as plaque, tartar or gum disease, which only a dentist can remove. Don’t miss your next dental appointment at Mumtaj Dental Care to check for bad breath causes.
