5 dental problems that cause bad breath

Gingivitis

This is one of the main causes of bad breath. When the gums are covered by plaque and tartar, bacteria produce sulfur compounds that cause unpleasant odors. A regular brush cannot clean all these crevices. Patients who go to the doctor for examination can treat the root cause.

Bacteria on the tongue

On the tongue, especially the rough part at the back, millions of bacteria exist. Even when brushing your teeth, if you do not clean your tongue properly, leftover food, dead cells and bacteria will accumulate and cause bad breath.

Dry mouth (Xerostomia)

The mouth can become dry due to reduced salivation due to dehydration, stress, certain medications, and breathing through the mouth creates conditions for odor-causing bacteria to grow. To reduce dry mouth, drink enough water, chew sugar-free gum, use a humidifier, and avoid alcohol, caffeine, or acidic drinks. Prioritize breathing through the nose to keep the oral cavity moist and stimulate salivation.

Eat foods with strong odors

Fragrant foods such as onions, garlic, coffee, wine… can remain in the digestive tract even after brushing your teeth. Unpleasant breath odor is also caused by smoking.

Dental restorations do not fit properly

Ill-fitting dental restorations such as crowns, braces or dentures can cause food particles to accumulate, allowing bacteria to grow. Similarly, tooth decay or open fillings can also cause bad breath.

In addition, bad breath is also related to some diseases such as diabetes, liver and kidney. Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to ketoacidosis, which causes the breath to have a characteristic fruity odor. When the liver or kidneys have a reduced ability to filter toxins, substances such as ammonia and urea accumulate in the blood and escape through the lungs, creating an unpleasant odor.

Regular dental checkups help detect cavities, gingivitis or other dental diseases, and clean between teeth that a toothbrush cannot reach. Cleaning your tongue with a specialized tool, drinking enough water and chewing sugar-free gum can remove food debris and stimulate salivation. Limiting processed foods, eating lots of vegetables and not smoking also helps keep your breath fresh.