Why Do I Always Have Bad Breath?

Bad breath (halitosis) is a common issue that can be embarrassing and impact your confidence. It can happen for many reasons. 

At SPA Dental Group, we want to help you understand the causes of bad breath and help you address and prevent it.

Here are some of the reasons you may have bad breath:

Poor oral hygiene

One of the primary culprits behind chronic bad breath is not cleaning your teeth, gums, and tongue. Inadequate brushing and flossing allow food particles to linger in your mouth, promoting bacterial growth. These bacteria release foul-smelling compounds, leading to unpleasant breath. 

Establishing a consistent oral hygiene routine — brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing daily, and using mouthwash — can significantly reduce bad breath.

Lack of saliva

Another common cause of bad breath is dry mouth, which occurs when your mouth doesn't produce enough saliva. Saliva is essential in washing away food particles and neutralizing acids produced by bacteria. Without an adequate amount, bacteria thrive, causing a smelly mouth. 

Factors like medication side effects, dehydration, or certain medical conditions can contribute to dry mouth. To counter dry mouth and alleviate bad breath, drink plenty of water, chew sugar-free gum, or use saliva-stimulating products.

What you eat

Your diet plays a significant role in bad breath. Foods like onions, garlic, and spices contain volatile oils that linger in your bloodstream and get released through your breath. These compounds can persist in your mouth even after brushing, leading to persistent bad breath. 

While you may not want to avoid these foods, you should maintain optimal oral hygiene after consuming them to help minimize the odor.

Oral health issues

Underlying dental issues like gum disease, cavities, or oral infections can also result in persistent bad breath. These conditions create a breeding ground for bacteria, creating an unpleasant smell. 

That’s why we encourage you to attend regular dental checkups and professional cleanings every six months at our dental practice. We can identify and address these issues so you can thrive with pleasant-smelling breath.

Certain health conditions

Beyond oral hygiene, systemic health conditions like respiratory infections, acid reflux, diabetes, or liver or kidney problems can manifest as bad breath. Treating these underlying conditions can alleviate halitosis.

If you’re ready to combat bad breath, we can help, too. Book a preventive care appointment with our team today. We can professionally clean your teeth and provide a comprehensive evaluation to give you the oral health you deserve.

Come see us at our New York City or Washington, DC, office. We can help you achieve fresher breath for a happier and healthier you. Call or use the online scheduling tool now.