Quick answer: Most bad breath starts in the mouth. Bacteria feed on bits of food left on the teeth, gums and tongue, and they leave behind a smell. A dry mouth, gum disease, strong foods, tobacco and dentures that are not cleaned well can all make it worse. Brushing twice a day, cleaning between your teeth every day and keeping your mouth moist help for most people. Mouthwash only covers the smell for a short time. If bad breath does not go away, Dr. Nairy Sekayan and our team at Finer Smiles Dental Practice in Encino can check for the cause.
Common causes of bad breath
The American Dental Association notes that about half of adults have had bad breath at some point. Common causes include:
- Bacteria and leftover food. Bacteria live in every mouth. When food is left behind, they feed on it and release a bad smell.
- A dry mouth. Saliva rinses your mouth all day. When you make less of it, odor can build up. Some medicines, salivary gland problems and breathing through your mouth can all cause a dry mouth.
- Gum disease. Bad breath or a bad taste that will not go away can be a warning sign of gum disease.
- A tooth infection, including an infected wisdom tooth. A tooth with a long lasting infection, or a wisdom tooth that has only partly come through the gum and become infected, can trap bacteria and food. This can cause a bad taste or odor that does not go away, even when you brush well. An exam and dental X rays can show whether an infected tooth is the cause.
- Strong foods and drinks. Garlic, onions and coffee are common examples.
- Smoking and tobacco. Tobacco causes bad breath and raises the risk of gum disease. Smokers may not notice their own breath, because smoking also dulls the sense of smell.
- Dentures that need cleaning. Removable dentures can hold on to food and bacteria.
- Other health conditions. If your dentist has ruled out a cause in the mouth, bad breath may be linked to something else, such as a sinus problem, reflux, diabetes, or liver or kidney disease. In that case, see your physician.
What helps at home
- Brush twice a day and clean between your teeth every day with floss or another cleaner your dentist recommends.
- Keep saliva flowing. Sip water during the day. Crunchy foods such as carrots and apples, and sugar free gum, can help your mouth make more saliva.
- Clean your dentures. If you wear removable dentures, take them out at night and clean them well before you put them back in the next morning.
- Use mouthwash only as a short term helper. Over the counter mouthwash can mask the smell for a while, but it does not replace brushing and cleaning between your teeth.
- Quit tobacco. Your breath, your gums and the rest of your body will benefit.
When to see us
Make an appointment if:
- Bad breath or a bad taste stays even after you brush and floss well.
- Your gums bleed, look red or swollen, or seem to be pulling away from your teeth.
- Your mouth often feels dry.
- Your dentures or partials feel loose or are hard to keep clean.
What happens at your visit
At your visit, Dr. Nairy Sekayan looks at your teeth, gums and the inside of your mouth for common causes such as gum disease, cavities, a dry mouth or an infection. If we suspect an infected tooth or a problem with a wisdom tooth, we may take X rays to take a closer look. If you wear dentures, we check how they fit and how they are being cleaned. We will explain what we find and suggest simple steps for home. If your mouth looks healthy and the bad breath continues, we may suggest that you talk with your physician.
Fresher breath starts with a checkup in Encino
If bad breath is bothering you, you do not have to guess at the cause. Dr. Nairy Sekayan and our team at Finer Smiles Dental Practice can examine your mouth and help you find a plan that fits your routine. New patients are welcome. Call (818) 788 2155 or book online. You can also learn more about our general dentistry care.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most common cause of bad breath?
For most people, it starts in the mouth. Bacteria feed on bits of food left on the teeth, gums and tongue and release a bad smell. Brushing twice a day and cleaning between your teeth every day can help.
Does mouthwash cure bad breath?
No. Over the counter mouthwash can mask the smell for a short time, but it does not remove the cause. Brushing, cleaning between your teeth and regular dental visits matter more.
Can a dry mouth cause bad breath?
Yes. Saliva rinses your mouth through the day. When your mouth is dry, odor can build up. Some medicines can cause a dry mouth, so tell us about the medicines you take.
Is bad breath a sign of gum disease?
It can be. Bad breath or a bad taste that will not go away can be a warning sign of gum disease, especially with gums that bleed, look red or swollen, or pull away from the teeth. An exam can tell you what is going on.
Can a tooth infection cause bad breath?
Yes. A tooth with a long lasting infection, or an infected wisdom tooth that has only partly come through the gum, can cause a bad taste or odor that does not go away. An exam and dental X rays can help us find it.
Can dentures cause bad breath?
They can if they are not cleaned well. Take removable dentures out at night and clean them well before you wear them again. If they feel loose or hard to clean, let us check them.
When should I see a physician about bad breath?
If your dentist finds that your mouth is healthy and the bad breath continues, it may be linked to another condition, such as a sinus problem, reflux or diabetes. In that case, see your physician.
Sources
- American Dental Association, MouthHealthy. Bad Breath: 6 Causes (and 6 Solutions). https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/bad-breath
- American Dental Association, MouthHealthy. Gum Disease. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/gum-disease
This article is general education, not a diagnosis or a treatment promise. Only an in person exam can determine what is right for your mouth.
