Halitosis may embarrass you and even result in anxiety and stress. It is not surprising that the stores’ shelves contain plenty of chewing gums, mint tablets, mouthwash, and other products to cope with halitosis.
Most of these products act temporarily and cannot resolve the main problem, and one should seek a permanent solution.
Main causes of bad breath
Halitosis can be caused by various factors and diseases, some of which are discussed here.
- Food: Degradation of food may increase bacteria in your mouth and around the teeth and produce halitosis.
- Tobacco: Smokers and consumers of oral tobacco are highly prone to gums’ diseases and halitosis.
- Poor oral health: A failure to daily brush the teeth and tongue and flossing causes food particles to remain in your mouth leading to halitosis.
- Reduced salivation: Saliva helps cleanse the mouth and destroys halitosis-causing particles.
- Drugs: Some drugs such as amoxicillin can indirectly cause halitosis through drying the mouth.
- Infection: Tooth infection or tooth decay, gums’ diseases, and mouth ulcers may produce halitosis.
- Nose and throat infection: Chronic infection or inflammation of the nose, sinuses, or throat can result in halitosis.
- Other causes: Cancer and digestive tract diseases, such as gastroesophageal reflux, may cause distinct halitosis.
Cause bad breath despite brushing
Some patients complain that their mouth still smells bad even after brushing. In these cases, it is necessary for the patient to see a dentist to check the health status of the mouth and teeth. If the patient has a decayed tooth or has a gum problem, treatment for tooth decay and gum problems will eliminate bad breath. But some patients still suffer from bad breath despite having healthy teeth and gums. This group of patients usually have digestive problems and even fatty liver. Patients with gastrointestinal or fatty liver problems should consult a gastroenterologist or internal medicine specialist for treatment.
In some more serious cases, cancer can lead to bad breath even after brushing. Metabolic diseases, diabetes and gastric acid reflux can also lead to bad breath, even if you brush well.
Sometimes you may not have done the rinsing and brushing steps completely, and food getting stuck between your teeth can lead to bad breath. Consumption of some foods such as garlic and onion also causes bad breath to persist even for a few days. Researchers have found that eating apples and mint can eliminate the bad smell of garlic and onions.
Cause of bad breath FAQ
1-When should we visit a dentist for bad breath?
When experiencing halitosis, check oral hygiene habits and try to change your lifestyle; for example, regularly brush your teeth and tongue after eating, use dental floss, and drink plenty of water. If bad breath persists, then see your dentist.
2-How can bad breath due to the accumulation of bacteria be resolved?
This problem can be easily solved; you can get rid of your teeth’ plaques with antibacterial mouthwash and toothpaste.
3-How can bad breath be resolved at home?
Brush after eating, floss at least once a day, brush your tongue, and avoid foods such as garlic, onions, and sugary foods.
4-How to cope with dry mouth and bad breath?
Coffee, drinks, or alcohol dry the mouth, so don’t consume them and drink plenty of water. Salivation can be stimulated by chewing gum or sucking candy (preferably sugar-free).
5–Which foods help you fight bad breath?
Eat fresh fruits and vegetables and probiotic yogurt, chew parsley, basil, and mint, eat plenty of cherries, drink green tea, chew sugar-free gum, and drink ginger tea and plenty of water.
6-What causes bad breath between two teeth?
In some cases, when the floss is used, the patient notices a bad odor between the two teeth. This bad smell can be a sign of dental abscess, gum disease or some kind of food stick. Flossing every day and there is still a bad odor between the two teeth is more likely to cause tooth decay and gum disease.
7-What causes bad breath?
When wisdom teeth are impacted or semi-impacted, they are more at risk of decay. Sometimes wisdom teeth are in a place that is difficult to brush and clean. In these cases, the risk of tooth decay increases. Therefore, bad breath can be a sign of tooth decay or even abscess and gum infection at this point.
8-What causes bad breath after dental root canal?
The cause of bad breath after dental root canal may be due to the presence of dressings or tooth infection. Usually, the dentist prescribes antibiotics after root canal of the tooth and puts it on the dressing area. Dentist after drainage and drying of tooth infection, fills the teeth.
9-What is the cause of filled teeth bad smell?
If your teeth still smell bad after fillings and restorations, there is a possibility of infection and gum disease. The bad smell you feel may not be related to the filled tooth but to the side tooth. You will need to see your dentist again to determine the true source of bad breath.
10-What causes bad breath after tooth extraction?
Bad breath after tooth extraction can be a sign of abscess and infection in the area where the tooth was extracted. Be sure to replace your teeth immediately if you have a tooth extraction to avoid gum disease and jaw bone resorption.