What Causes Bad Breath?

young woman surprised by bad breathBad breath is something we all deal with at some point, like when we first wake up in the morning, or after eating something smothered in garlic or onions. Chronic bad breath, though, isn’t as common as morning breath or garlic breath. If it doesn’t go away after brushing and flossing your teeth, then the cause of your bad breath might be a more significant issue, like especially poor hygiene or a developing dental issue.

Common Causes of Bad Breath

The reasons for chronic, or persistent, bad breath are many. You might have food stuck in your teeth that didn’t realize was there, but that’s been there since longer than you wish to contemplate. Or, you might have gum disease or tooth decay, and bad breath is an unavoidable result of the infection.

If you wait long enough to brush and floss your teeth, then the bacteria in your mouth can multiply and overwhelm your oral tissues. Besides causing tooth decay and gum disease, many of these bacteria also lead directly to bad breath by releasing odorous sulfur compounds that make your breath smell horrible.

What to Do About It

Like all dental conditions, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to curing yourself of bad breath, especially if the problem originates with a dental issue. Everyone’s dental health is different, and treating bad breath is a tailor-made process. A thorough dental cleaning can remove any lingering food debris that may be stuck in or around your teeth and gums, while antibacterial mouthwash might help fight the microbes responsible. If an issue, like gum disease or a cavity is to blame, then we’ll recommend an appropriate restorative treatment to address the issue promptly.

ABOUT YOUR NORTH RICHLAND HILLS DENTIST:

With over 25 years of professional experience, Dr. Steven M. Huffstutler and his caring team proudly provide exceptional preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dental treatment to patients and their families across Dallas/Ft. Worth, including North Richland Hills, Denton, the Mid-cities, Southlake, and all surrounding communities. We also have extensive experience helping patients find relief from painful TMJ disorders (various forms of jaw dysfunction). To schedule an appointment with Dr. Huffstutler, contact our office today by calling 817-918-3038.