What Causes Bad Breath?

Nothing can ruin a conversation or intimate moment more than bad breath. Unfortunately, many people struggle to keep their breath smelling fresh and clean. Occasional bad breath is something that just about everyone deals with, but when the breath is consistently bad, there is likely an underlying issue. 

Dentist Jean E. Barthman understands the causes of bad breath, and how to treat them to restore fresh breath for her Redwood City, CA, dental patients. Here we go over the most common causes of bad breath, and discuss treatments for eliminating halitosis so that you can enjoy a conversation, meeting, laugh, or kiss without worrying about bad breath ruining it.

Fragrant Foods

Fragrant foods are the most well-known cause of bad breath. When people eat foods with strong odors, like garlic, onions, cheese, and certain spices, they leave behind a smell. Brushing or rinsing with mouthwash after eating these types of foods is helpful, but it really only masks the odor. Bad breath caused by fragrant foods is usually only temporary, but if someone regularly eats odorous foods it can cause halitosis.

Bad Oral Hygiene Habits

Poor oral hygiene habits can easily lead to bad breath. When people eat, tiny food particles are left behind. They may not always be noticeable, but if someone skips brushing and flossing those food particles will attract bacteria. As bacteria multiplies around the teeth, gums, and tongue, they can create an unpleasant odor that is difficult to get rid of without a deep dental cleaning.

Root Canal Infection 

Persistent bad breath is often the sign of a dental complication or oral health problem, such as a root canal infection. A root canal infection develops when bacteria works its way into the nerves, roots, and sensitive tissues at the core and base of the tooth. When a root canal infection is bad people may develop an abscess, which is a pocket filled with pus. Bacteria, infection, and abscesses can all cause bad breath.

Gum Disease

Like a root canal infection, gum disease is caused by a buildup of bacteria that results in inflammation and infection. Whereas a root canal infection affects the tooth, gum disease affects the gum tissues. Bad breath that does not go away with brushing, flossing, and other oral hygiene practices may be an early sign of gum disease.

Dry Mouth

Another common cause of bad breath among our Redwood City patients is dry mouth. Dry mouth causes the mouth to be persistently dry, usually because the salivary glands don’t produce enough saliva. Saliva is a natural cleanser for the mouth. It rinses away food particles and bacteria between brushing and flossing. If this self-cleaning mechanism isn’t functioning properly, bad breath is likely to become a regular problem.

Treating Bad Breath

Brushing the teeth, rinsing with mouthwash, and using breath mints are all good ways to disguise bad breath, but if underlying issues are present, none of these will get rid of bad breath for good. Dr. Barthman assists her Redwood City patients in restoring fresher breath by treating the cause of the problem. Depending on the conditions responsible for bad breath, halitosis treatment may include:

• Scaling and root planing
• Root canal therapy
• Dental fillings or crowns
• Oral medication or rinses for dry mouth
• Dietary changes

Schedule an Appointment

At her dental practice, Dr. Jean E. Barthman offers a comprehensive range of dental services to address oral health issues, including persistent bad breath. To find out how Dr. Barthman can help you restore breath that is fresh and clean, request an appointment online, or call (650) 367-4967.