What Are the Causes of Bad Breath?

Bad breath, or halitosis, is an unpleasant odor coming from your mouth. There are many possible causes.

Oral Health Issues

There are many factors that can cause bad breath, but these issues don’t necessarily mean that you need to have your teeth cleaned or have your cavities treated. In fact, some causes of bad breath have nothing to do with oral health at all. Food particles can get trapped in your cheeks and tongue, creating foul-smelling bacteria. If you suffer from chronic dry mouth, this can increase your risk of tooth decay and other oral health problems. Some medications can lead to dry mouth as a side effect as well. If you’re already suffering from gum disease, it could cause bad breath, as well as bleeding and sensitive gums.

Food Habits

The truth is that many foods contribute to bad breath. If you eat odorous foods like onions, garlic, fish, and other pungent dishes, the smell will remain in your mouth for hours or days afterward. Also, if you drink a lot of coffee or alcohol, you’ll have bad breath too.

Dr. A. P. Singh recommends brushing your teeth after meals to remove food particles and plaque that linger on your teeth after eating. You can also use mouthwash as a rinse to neutralize odors and kill bacteria in the mouth that cause bad breath.

Gum Disease

Gum disease is one of the most common causes of bad breath because it leads to inflammation around the root of the tooth. Bacteria and food debris accumulate in the gums and cause a foul smell when they break down. Additionally, gum disease can lead to tooth loss, another potential cause of bad breath.

Smoking

Smoking is a major cause of bad breath. The chemicals in cigarette smoke create an unpleasant smell that lingers in the mouth and on clothing. Tobacco products can also leave unsightly stains on the teeth. Smokers have an increased risk of gum disease, tooth decay, and other oral health issues.

If smoking is the cause of your bad breath, quitting can clear up the problem. Ask Dr. A. P. Singh for resources to help with this process. Regular checkups are also a good step for improving your oral health. These visits to All Smile Dental are used to catch any problems early when they are easier to treat.

Patients who smoke often tend to also have problems with plaque buildup and tooth discoloration. 

A combination of a good oral hygiene routine and regular cleanings can help address these problems. Patients should brush their teeth twice a day for at least two minutes each time. Flossing should be done at least once per day to remove any lingering particles of food that may be trapped between the teeth and along the gum line.

Give us a call today to schedule your appointment! We would be happy to answer any of your questions about dentistry procedures in Modesto, CA. You can book an appointment with our dentist in Turlock, CA, at the dental office by calling (209) 668-3736 or our dentist in Modesto, CA, at the dental office by calling (209) 409-8839.