Treat the Causes of Bad Breath

Learn More About Halitosis

Bad breath, also called halitosis, can cause embarrassment, but it can also indicate a more significant problem. Most cases of bad breath occur after a meal with strong-smelling ingredients or after going a long time without brushing. You can resolve these situations by brushing or gargling with mouthwash. Chronic halitosis, on the other hand, occurs even with proper oral hygiene because chronic bad breath doesn’t exist on its own. Frequent halitosis could happen as a symptom of a serious problem. Learn how to tell the difference and find bad breath treatment near you.

What Causes Bad Breath?

Bad breath has a wide range of possible causes. They include:

• Poor oral hygiene habits: Did you know the bacteria that causes plaque also creates bad breath? When you brush less than twice a day, avoid flossing, or don’t use mouthwash, the excess bacteria make an odor.
• Chronic illnesses: Conditions like diabetes, liver disease, and gastric reflux may also cause halitosis. Some of these disorders create bad breath that smells different from halitosis caused by poor dental hygiene.
• Dry mouth: When you have dry mouth, you don’t produce enough saliva for your mouth to stay clean. Certain medications such as antidepressants and diuretics cause dry mouth. Dry mouth can also happen as a symptom of some medical conditions.
• Gum disease or infection: Mouth and gum infections, including periodontitis, involve odor-causing bacteria. They can create a lingering, unpleasant taste and halitosis.

Bad breath may also come from using tobacco or eating strong-smelling foods. Brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash can address some of these causes, but not all. When your halitosis persists after cleaning your mouth, you need help from a bad breath specialist — your dentist.