What Causes Bad Breath Even After Brushing?
It is very common for someone to have bad breath, and there are various ways to cause a bad odor to come from your mouth. Whether it be based on what you eat or any medical issues, there is a reason and solution for depending on the severity. Below are a few ways to identify ways to have bad breath and different treatments and solutions for it.
Common Ways to Prevent Bad Breath
General oral health is taking care of your teeth and mouth by doing regular cleanings of brushing twice a day or after meals, flossing once a day, and scraping your tongue properly. These can help prevent the buildup of any food particles or plaque that from on and in between your teeth. Mouth rinses can also aid in the process of keeping good bacteria in your mouth.
How Does What I Eat or Drink Affect My Breath Odor?
- Coffee: The intense flavor of coffee can decrease the production of saliva in your mouth, which may allow extra bacteria to linger in your mouth
- Alcohol: The consumption of alcohol can lead to decreased production of saliva for up to 10 hours, which leaves the bacteria in your mouth to linger and multiply.
- Flavorful foods: Strong spices and foods with strong odors can affect your breath odor. It’s best not to eat too many foods like onions or garlic.
How Does Smoking Affect My Breath Odor?
- Smoking of any kind can cause your saliva glands to not produce saliva correctly, resulting in dry mouth. Those who smoke tobacco are more at risk for further illnesses like gum disease and rotting of the bones, or staining of the teeth.
What Illnesses or Diseases Affect my Breath Odor?
- Digestive issues: GERD is when the acids from your stomach come back up the esophagus and irritate it. This leaves a foul odor in your mouth. This can also cause dehydration, which can cause your saliva glands to stop working correctly, leaving your mouth prone to producing more bacteria.
- Diabetes: This disease makes your blood sugar levels inconsistent, causing your body to break down acids in an inconsistent way that can leave your breath smelling foul.
- Sinus: With a sinus infection or a cold, the mucus from your nose drips into the back of your throat, making a breeding ground for more odor-producing bacteria.
When to Reach Out to a Professional
It is important to keep up with your oral health by visiting the dentist at least twice a year for checkups and cleanings. If the odor is constantly an issue, it would be wise to schedule an appointment with a professional in that area. If ignored, it could lead to further issues, or you could miss any hints to more serious issues like rare cancers or metabolic disorders, kidney and liver issues, and blood disorders.
Related Article: Is bad breath a sign of illness?