What Causes Bad Breath?
Bad breath or halitosis is a very common problem and there are many different causes.
Persistent bad breath is usually caused by the smelly gases released by the bacteria that coat your teeth and gums. Bits of food that get caught between the teeth and on the tongue, as well as mucus, will decay and can sometimes cause an unpleasant smell, producing gases called volatile sulphur compounds (VSCs).
In 10% of bad breath cases, the origin is not oral and can be due to a more serious underlying medical problem, however this is rarely the case so correct and regular brushing and mouth cleaning is very important to keep your breath smelling fresh.
The plaque bacteria on our teeth and gums also cause gum disease and dental decay which can contribute to making your breath smell rotten. One of the warning signs of gum disease is that you always have bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth. Your dentist or hygienist will be able to see and treat the problem during your regular check-ups. The earlier the problems are identified, the more effective the treatment will be.
Persistent bad breath is usually caused by the smelly gases released by the bacteria that coat your teeth and gums. Bits of food that get caught between the teeth and on the tongue, as well as mucus, will decay and can sometimes cause an unpleasant smell, producing gases called volatile sulphur compounds (VSCs).
In 10% of bad breath cases, the origin is not oral and can be due to a more serious underlying medical problem, however this is rarely the case so correct and regular brushing and mouth cleaning is very important to keep your breath smelling fresh.
The plaque bacteria on our teeth and gums also cause gum disease and dental decay which can contribute to making your breath smell rotten. One of the warning signs of gum disease is that you always have bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth. Your dentist or hygienist will be able to see and treat the problem during your regular check-ups. The earlier the problems are identified, the more effective the treatment will be.
What else causes bad breath?
Dry Mouth
Dry Mouth (xerostomia) is a condition that affects the flow of saliva. Reduced saliva flow causes bacteria to build up in the mouth and this leads to bad breath. Dry Mouth may be caused by some medicines, salivary gland problems or by continually breathing through the mouth instead of the nose. Older people may produce less saliva, causing further problems.
If you suffer from dry mouth, we are able to recommend or prescribe artificial saliva products, mouth sprays and dental gums/lozenges to help deal with the problem and stimulate saliva flow.
Other medical conditions that cause bad breath include infections in the throat, nose or lungs, sinusitis, bronchitis, diabetes, or liver or kidney problems. If your dentist finds that your mouth is healthy, you may be referred to your family GP or a specialist to find out the cause of your bad breath.
Dry Mouth (xerostomia) is a condition that affects the flow of saliva. Reduced saliva flow causes bacteria to build up in the mouth and this leads to bad breath. Dry Mouth may be caused by some medicines, salivary gland problems or by continually breathing through the mouth instead of the nose. Older people may produce less saliva, causing further problems.
If you suffer from dry mouth, we are able to recommend or prescribe artificial saliva products, mouth sprays and dental gums/lozenges to help deal with the problem and stimulate saliva flow.
Other medical conditions that cause bad breath include infections in the throat, nose or lungs, sinusitis, bronchitis, diabetes, or liver or kidney problems. If your dentist finds that your mouth is healthy, you may be referred to your family GP or a specialist to find out the cause of your bad breath.
Top 9 Causes of Bad Breath
1. Poor Dental Hygiene
Irregular or improper brushing and flossing can leave dental plaque and food particles to decay inside the mouth which will break down/rot to create bad breath.
2. Failing Dentistry
Worn old fillings, poorly fitting crowns or bridges, or dentures can trap food and plaque bacteria that cause bad breath. Sometimes despite your best efforts these areas can be impossible to clean without seeking treatment from a dentist.
3. Mouth Infections
4. Respiratory Infections
Throat infections, sinus infections and lung infections can lead to excessive bacteria and mucus production, leading to bad breath.
5. Food and Drinks
Strong foods like garlic, onions, alcohol and coffee will lead to bad breath.
6. Smoking
Cigarette smoking and chewing tobacco, as well as making your breath smell, cause staining, loss of taste and irritation to the gums. People who smoke are more likely to suffer from gum disease and also have a greater risk of developing cancer of the mouth, lung cancer and heart disease.
Irregular or improper brushing and flossing can leave dental plaque and food particles to decay inside the mouth which will break down/rot to create bad breath.
2. Failing Dentistry
Worn old fillings, poorly fitting crowns or bridges, or dentures can trap food and plaque bacteria that cause bad breath. Sometimes despite your best efforts these areas can be impossible to clean without seeking treatment from a dentist.
3. Mouth Infections
- Gum disease – gingivitis and/or periodontitis is one of the main causes of bad breath and also the leading cause of tooth loss in the world. Regular dental hygiene visits and preventive care can treat and minimise the impact of gum related bad breath.
- Tooth decay – decaying teeth trap food and bacteria and need to be treated to remove the source of bad breath problems.
- Impacted wisdom teeth – food and bacteria are trapped around wisdom teeth that are not well positioned in your mouth. It is common to have chronic infections around wisdom teeth that are responsible for bad breath.
- Dental Abscess – an infection in your tooth can cause an abscess and smelly pus build-up resulting in bad breath.
4. Respiratory Infections
Throat infections, sinus infections and lung infections can lead to excessive bacteria and mucus production, leading to bad breath.
5. Food and Drinks
Strong foods like garlic, onions, alcohol and coffee will lead to bad breath.
6. Smoking
Cigarette smoking and chewing tobacco, as well as making your breath smell, cause staining, loss of taste and irritation to the gums. People who smoke are more likely to suffer from gum disease and also have a greater risk of developing cancer of the mouth, lung cancer and heart disease.
7. Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)
Dry mouth can be caused by salivary gland problems, medications, ‘mouth breathing’, snoring and sleep disordered breathing like sleep apnoea, caffeine and alcohol intake, recreational drugs, dehydration and nutritional issues.
8. Medical Illnesses
Diabetes, liver disease, kidney disease, lung disease, sinus conditions and gastric reflux are commonly associated with bad breath.
9. Psychiatric Problems
Some people feel that they have bad breath even when they actually do not, giving rise to a condition called ‘halitophobia’ or ‘pseudohalitosis’, where no bad breath can be detected even when using ultrasensitive breath odour testing machines.
If you think you or a relative, friend or loved one has bad breath then it is a condition that should be taken seriously as it may indicate an underlying infection or medical issue.
We are here to help – call us today to book your consultation and breath analysis screening.
07 3720 1811
Dry mouth can be caused by salivary gland problems, medications, ‘mouth breathing’, snoring and sleep disordered breathing like sleep apnoea, caffeine and alcohol intake, recreational drugs, dehydration and nutritional issues.
8. Medical Illnesses
Diabetes, liver disease, kidney disease, lung disease, sinus conditions and gastric reflux are commonly associated with bad breath.
9. Psychiatric Problems
Some people feel that they have bad breath even when they actually do not, giving rise to a condition called ‘halitophobia’ or ‘pseudohalitosis’, where no bad breath can be detected even when using ultrasensitive breath odour testing machines.
If you think you or a relative, friend or loved one has bad breath then it is a condition that should be taken seriously as it may indicate an underlying infection or medical issue.
We are here to help – call us today to book your consultation and breath analysis screening.
07 3720 1811
