The most common cause of bad breath is poor and insufficient oral hygiene, which is also the easiest to put right. The other main causes are caries and gum inflammation – these are treated only by a dentist. Sometimes the cause is not in the mouth at all. Bad breath is a common problem that is not always given enough attention; it is most often noticed in the morning just after getting up, and sometimes throughout the day.
How does poor hygiene lead to bad breath?
In the rush of everyday life, a person does not always brush their teeth as directed (3 minutes, 2 times a day), and even if they do, they sometimes do not give enough attention to all the surfaces. Not knowing, or not being able to carry out, the correct brushing technique leads to a build-up of dental plaque and tartar.
They accumulate in places that are hard to clean and lead to inflammation of the gums – gingivitis and even periodontitis, as well as to caries and their complications.
Bad breath with poor hygiene is due to the bacteria in the accumulated dental plaque, which cause putrefactive processes in it.
How do caries and gum inflammation affect breath?
If no measures are taken to improve oral hygiene and to clean off tartar and plaque, caries and gum inflammation begin to develop. They are the other two main causes of bad breath, because they make it even harder to maintain good hygiene and make the problem worse.
The bacteria found in the dental structures softened by caries develop undisturbed. The situation is similar in deep periodontal pockets. The putrefaction processes caused by the bacteria release unpleasant smells, and even with perfect oral hygiene it is impossible to get rid of the bad breath.
To solve the problem, it is necessary to visit a dentist, who will establish the cause (caries or periodontal disease) and carry out the appropriate treatment. Only then will the bad breath go away.
Can bad breath have another cause?
In some cases bad breath is not due to problems with the teeth or gums. It can be caused by:
- a sore throat;
- stomach diseases (gastritis, colitis, ulcer);
- diabetes;
- kidney and liver diseases;
- prolonged use of medication and others.
Some foods, such as garlic and onion, leave a specific odour, which is removed with gargling solutions, chewing gum and other oral hygiene products.
How can we prevent bad breath?
Whether we allow bad breath to appear depends to some extent on ourselves. The following are necessary:
- correct and regular tooth brushing;
- a full and varied diet;
- regular treatment and prevention of caries and periodontal disease.
Preventive check-ups with the dentist every 6 months are entirely sufficient to maintain the health of the oral cavity.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most common cause of bad breath?
Poor and insufficient oral hygiene. It leads to a build-up of plaque and tartar, and the bacteria in the plaque cause putrefactive processes that produce the bad breath.
Is it enough to brush better if I have caries or gum inflammation?
Not always. The bacteria in tooth structures softened by caries and in deep periodontal pockets release unpleasant smells, and even with perfect oral hygiene it is impossible to get rid of the bad breath. A dentist needs to establish the cause and carry out treatment.
Can bad breath have a cause other than the teeth?
Yes. It can be caused by a sore throat, stomach diseases (gastritis, colitis, ulcer), diabetes, kidney and liver diseases, prolonged use of medication and others.
How do I get rid of garlic and onion breath?
The specific odour from foods such as garlic and onion is removed with gargling solutions, chewing gum and other oral hygiene products.
How often are preventive check-ups needed?
Preventive check-ups with the dentist every 6 months are entirely sufficient to maintain the health of the oral cavity.