What are some of the causes of chronic bad breath?

1. Poor oral hygiene
2. Dry mouth
3. Gum disease
4. Sinus infections
5. Digestive issues
6. Smoking and tobacco use

There is no one on this planet who wants to get stuck with bad breath. That’s why many go the extra mile to gargle and brush their teeth after a meal filled with garlic, onions, and strongly-spiced food. However, there are instances when it doesn’t go away. That is a condition called halitosis or chronic bad breath.

So what are the causes of chronic bad breath? This article dives in deeper for us to not only understand this oral health issue, but it will also show us why you need to seek medical attention right away once you catch a whiff of this!

Keep reading to learn more.

Poor Oral Hygiene

The most common cause of bad breath is poor oral hygiene. Have you ever noticed an instance where even after brushing your teeth, you still smell something unpleasant in your mouth? Even if you floss, you notice that the dirt picked up by the thread doesn’t smell good. Those are indicators of chronic bad breath.

When you don’t brush and floss your teeth regularly, bacteria can build up in your mouth and produce unpleasant odors. This is because some food particles that are unnoticed can be left in the mouth and can contribute to bad breath.

So how do you prevent this? That’s simple! Have a set oral hygiene routine that is recommended by your dentists. Remember excessive brushing can also lead to other dental issues. So the right way is to brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each and floss at least once a day.

Dry Mouth

Saliva plays an important role in flushing out bacteria and food particles from the mouth. When we don’t produce enough saliva we may have a dry mouth or also known as xerostomia, which can also cause bad breath.

How do you know if you’re experiencing dry mouth? This condition is characterized by a burning sensation in your mouth. You can also experience dry lips alongside halitosis.
There are many reasons for dry mouth including medication, dehydration, and other medical conditions.

To help alleviate this, it’s important for you to stay hydrated. However, if the symptoms persist, it’s best to consult with your dentist or physician to get a proper diagnosis and medication.

Gum Disease

Periodontal disease, also referred to as gum disease, is an infectious condition that infiltrates and inflames gum tissue that supports your teeth. As part of its destructive cycle, gum disease bacteria produce an unpleasant odor contributing to bad breath.

You can see gum disease manifests itself with red, swollen, and bleeding gums. This may also be the culprit when you find lose teeth. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss as well as other health complications.

In order to prevent bad breath and other complications that may happen from gum disease, it’s essential to practice good oral hygiene and visit a trusted dentist on a regular basis for teeth cleaning and checkups. Your dentist may suggest treatments like scaling and root planing or antibiotics to help manage gum disease.

Sinus Infections

When bacteria and mucus build up within the sinuses, you may experience sinus infections or sinusitis, leading to bad breath as a result. Other symptoms may include congestion, facial pain, and headaches.

It’s important again to stay hydrated and use a saline nasal rinse regularly to flush away bacteria and mucus from your sinuses. This may help in alleviating the bad breath you are experiencing. But is most advisable to pay a visit to your doctor regarding treatment options like antibiotics or nasal steroids.

Digestive Issues

If you’re practicing good oral hygiene, yet you’re still experiencing persistent bad breath. This could be due to digestive issues like acid reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Yes, it can result in bad breath because of the stomach acid regurgitating into the mouth, leading to heartburn, bloating, and abdominal discomfort.

By avoiding trigger foods and beverages such as caffeine, alcohol, and spicy food to alleviate your digestive issues, you may also prevent them from negatively impacting your oral health.

You can also try eating smaller more frequent meals throughout the day and waiting at least two hours after eating before lying down. Your doctor may also suggest medication to manage acid reflux or GERD.

Smoking and Tobacco Use

It’s no secret that smoking can cause bad breath because of the chemicals and tar found in cigarettes. This not only damages the gums, but it also damages other parts of your body, putting you at risk for gum disease and even cancer.

To protect against bad breath caused by smoking and tobacco products, it’s important to cut back or quit altogether. While quitting may seem hard at first, many resources such as nicotine replacement therapy and counseling exist to aid those looking to break free.

Key Takeaway

Now that you’re more aware of what causes chronic bad breath, it can be time for you to schedule a cleaning with your dentist. This session can help you narrow down the culprits causing this oral health issue. However, take note that you should also do your part and practice good oral hygiene to prevent this from worsening over time.

For teeth cleaning and other dental services, visit us here at Elevate Dental. We are one of the best dental clinics in Greenhills, San Juan that offers reliable and comprehensive dental services to meet all of your dental needs. Our team of licensed dentists with various specializations is dedicated to offering accurate diagnoses and effective treatment plans that improve dental health for our clients since 1981.

Visit our website or inquire now so we could set an appointment to address any of your dental concerns.