4 Causes of Bad Breath

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We've all had it. Whether it's first thing in the morning or surfaces after eating onions on a hot dog, halitosis (bad breath) plagues us all at one point or another. What is the cause and how do I get rid of it? There are many different reasons you may have bad breath, I will list four here.

Bacteria: Bacteria naturally are found in your mouth. They eat when you eat. When bits of leftover lunch linger, the smorgasbord begins for the bacteria, leaving a foul odor. The solution is simple: brush and floss your teeth. If you've done those things and your bad breath persists, it may be an indication of gum disease. In that case, you should talk with your dentist.  

Food: Besides feeding that bacteria in your mouth, food also has it's own stench that could be the culprit for your bad breath. Foods like onions, garlic, or sauerkraut often tend to have lingering effects until they are out of your system. Mouthwash and gums can mask the smell temporarily.

Medications: Some medications can cause dry mouth. When your mouth doesn't have enough saliva to "wash away" the bacteria that can create some odors in your mouth. There may not be a great way to fix this problem, but again, keeping things clean and drinking more water will help.

Smoking and Tobacco: Tobacco use and smoking cause numerous health problems, one of which is bad breath. The smoke particles can stay in your lungs for hours and chemicals are left in your saliva after using tobacco. These all contribute to smoker's breath. The solution is simple: quit using tobacco products. For more information and for free or low cost resources to help you quit visit the Montana Help Quit Line at https://montana.quitlogix.org/en-US/. 


In essence, if you have bad breath, brush your teeth. If that doesn't work, floss. Good oral hygiene will most often take care of the problem. If the problem persists speak to your dentist as there may be other factors to consider. Happy brushing!

Other links for more information on bad breath:
https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/b/bad-breath
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/bad-breath#1

~ Cyrus M. Larson, DMD

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