What should I do if I have bad breath?

Q:  What are the causes of bad breath?

A:  In 85% of individuals with bad breath, the odor originates in the mouth.  The following cause bad breath:

  • Poor oral hygiene-  The #1 cause of bad breath, if you aren’t brushing and flossing enough, chances are you have bad breath.
  • Back of the tongue-  In patients with good oral hygiene, this is the most common source of bad breath.  A yellowish discharge, usually due to post nasal drip, collects on the very back of the tongue and is then putrefied by the abundant bacteria on the back of the tongue.  If you scrape the back of your tongue with a plastic spoon and are able to collect this yellowish film on the spoon, you probably have this problem.
  • Periodontal (gum) Disease-  Although more than half of Americans have gum tissue disease, many don’t know they have it.  Colonies of bacteria and food debris take up residence inside gum tissue pockets were the toothbrush can’t reach.   We check for gum disease at each of your cleaning appointments.
  • Morning time- Saliva flow almost stops at while sleeping.  Without saliva cleaning off bacteria in your mouth, you get “morning breath”.
  • Dry Mouth (Xerstomia)- besides morning time, many other factors can give us a dry mouth leading to bad breath.  The two most common causes are medications (such as certain heart medications) and mouth breathers (people who are unable to breath easily through their nose).
  • Foods- Some foods, like garlic and onions, have odor-causing compounds that actually enter the bloodstream, are transferred to the lungs, and are then exhaled.
  • Tobacco- tobacco itself as well as its mouth-drying effects cause bad breath
  • Dieting and Uncontrolled Diabetes- certain chemicals called ketones can be released in the breath as the body burns protein and fat, resulting in “acetone breath”.
  • Nasal disorders-  nasal polyps or sinusitis can result in malodor with a slightly cheesy character.

 

Q:  How can I treat bad breath?

A:  The following are the best ways to combat bad breath:

  • Tongue scraping- Probably the single most important way to improve ones breath (possibly tied with flossing in studies) is to scrape the back of the tongue with a plastic tongue scraper that can be purchased at the drug store.  At the least, try to brush the very back of the tongue each time you brush your teeth.
  • Flossing- Flossing would probably happen much more frequently if people realized how much it affects their breath.  Next time you floss, smell the floss when you are done to see if it has an odor.  If it does, you should be flossing more frequently.
  • Regular dental cleanings-  Some buildup in your mouth (tartar) can only be removed by your hygienist.  It is also important to check for gum disease.
  • Mouthwash- Antiseptic mouthrinses can help kill the germs that cause bad breath.  For breath problems, we recommend Crest ProHealth, Listerine Total Care, or Listerine less intense Vanilla Mint, Freshburst, or Cool Mint.
  • Drink water frequently-  Water will help wash away bacteria.
  • Stop smoking/chewing tobacco-  Ask us about great prescription options to help!