Leading Causes of Bad Breath and What You Can do About it

If you struggle with bad breath, you’re not alone — up to 50% of adults in the United States report some experience with bad breath. In fact, few among us wake with fresh-smelling breath, which is usually remedied with a quick tooth brushing. But if your bad breath persists, it may signal a larger problem.

At Downtown Dental Studio, our skilled team understands the many conditions that can lead to bad breath and we work with our patients to ensure that their great smiles are the only impressions that last.

Here’s a look at some of the many causes of bad breath and, more importantly, what we can do about them.

A tiny problem

In many cases, bad breath stems from the ever-present bacteria in your mouth that produce waste, which leads to bad breath. Every mouth houses bacteria, but they can be largely kept in check through regular cleaning — brushing twice a day, rinsing after meals, and flossing. 

If you don’t keep up with your daily routine, however, plaque can build up, which encourages more bacteria. This excessive bacteria can not only lead to tooth decay and gum disease, they also leave you with a nasty case of halitosis.

This means that one of the first lines of defense in combating bad breath is to keep up with your daily dental health regimen, as well as your regular exams and cleaning with us here. During these visits, we look for the early signs of decay or gum disease and quickly address the problem before it leads to something far worse than just bad breath, like the loss of your teeth.

Dry mouth

Another common cause of bad breath is dry mouth. Your saliva glands play a crucial role in flushing out your mouth, but if they aren’t functioning properly, food and bacteria can build up and lead to a less-than-pleasant odor.

To ensure that the salivary glands in your mouth are working properly, we encourage vigilant cleaning, breathing through your nose, and eating foods that promote salivation (foods you need to chew quite a bit, such as carrots or apples). 

Lifestyle considerations

Other drivers of bad breath simply stem from some of your eating habits, as well as habits like smoking. If you love garlic as a seasoning, just be sure to use mouthwash after you eat. As for smoking, you can add bad breath to the many reasons why you should quit.

If you’re struggling with bad breath, book an appointment online or over the phone with Downtown Dental Studio.