Understanding the causes and treatment of your bad breath
What is bad breath, and how is it defined clinically?
Bad breath is any kind of odor coming from the mouth, and its origin is bacteria in the mouth. This can come from our tongue, which is most often the case, but also from any disease process occurring in the mouth. That could be a disease with the gums or a disease with the tooth, often called a cavity. It can be related to any of the teeth, top or lower teeth, and it could be related to the gum tissue in the entire mouth or around a particular tooth, all leading to bad breath.
The most common cause is the tongue. Do you brush your tongue when you brush your teeth? It's really important to use the toothpaste and toothbrush you generally use and brush your tongue. You can use a tongue scraper, which is perfectly fine, but if you don't have one, just brush your tongue really well with a toothbrush. If there's any kind of disease in your mouth, make sure to see a dentist and get that taken care of.
What is halitosis, and how is it different than bad breath?
It's not different. Halitosis is bad breath. The origin generally comes from the tongue, so we want to make sure that we're brushing our tongue. You can use a tongue scraper if you want. Ensure that any disease processes in your mouth are taken care of. You should see your dentist to address any cavities or gum disease.
Can cavities cause bad breath?
Yes, cavities or decay, which are synonymous, harbor bacteria. If severe enough, they can also lead to gum disease, depending on their location, which can be another cause of bad breath. The tongue is another area that can cause bad breath.
Can wisdom teeth cause bad breath?
Yes, wisdom teeth can cause bad breath, but not the wisdom teeth themselves. It's generally because the position of the wisdom tooth or limited space has caused issues with the gums, leading to an infection around the wisdom tooth. You should see a dentist about getting that cleared up because often the wisdom tooth may need to be removed to prevent recurrence.
Is it normal to have bad breath after a tooth extraction?
Yes, because there's a wound in your mouth that's healing. Often, bacteria in that area are present, and your body's immune system will fight off the infection. It doesn't mean your extraction site is infected; it's just that there's a blood clot, and you can't clean around it well. You may notice bad breath temporarily, but as it heals, the bad breath will not continue.
What are some signs that bad breath may be chronic rather than occasional?
If you have puffy, red, bleeding gums or hurting teeth or gums, you may have a chronic situation requiring a dentist. Only a dentist can solve your problems. Occasional bad breath could be due to diet, such as eating something garlicky or with a strong odor.
What dental treatments are available for bad breath?
It depends on where the bad breath is coming from. If it's from an infection or disease process in the mouth, we would want to clear up the infection or disease.
If it's gums, generally a good cleaning, sometimes a periodontal cleaning, which is a deep cleaning around and under the gums to remove any hardened bacteria on the tooth. If it's decay, we remove the decay and rebuild the tooth to make it strong, removing the bacteria and odor from your mouth.
What kind of mouthwash or toothpaste would I recommend for bad breath?
I don't have a specific preference. I wouldn't suggest an off-brand, but any typical well-known toothpaste or mouthwash is good. For mouthwash, I recommend any with the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of approval.
The ADA seal on the bottle means the claims are verified by an independent third party. If it says it kills 99.9% of bacteria, it actually does. The ADA is funded by clinical dentists like me, not by mouthwash companies, ensuring unbiased research.
What are some home remedies that might help reduce bad breath?
Taking good care of your teeth, flossing, brushing, and using mouthwash will help reduce bad breath. Brushing your tongue with a scraper or toothbrush is also effective. Pay attention to what you're eating, as strong odors or supplements can cause bad breath. However, if there's disease in your mouth, see a dentist.
How can someone tell if they have bad breath?
You can try blowing into your hand and smelling it, but a trusted friend is probably the best way to determine if you have bad breath.
Is it possible to get rid of bad breath permanently?
Yes, you must find the source of the bad breath and treat it. If it's a disease in the mouth, treat and maintain it. If it's related to diet, experiment with different foods. If it's from your tongue, brush your tongue thoroughly twice or three times a day or use a tongue scraper. This will help eliminate bad breath permanently.
You’re never alone in caring for your dental health. At Nooga Dentistry, our team is here to support and meet you where you are in your dental journey. Call (423) 592-7676 or email [email protected] to connect with us today.