How to Get a Great Smile

Posted on: 11 October 2022

Bad breath, also known as halitosis, can come from a myriad of causes. The most common causes have to do with dental hygiene, although halitosis can have causes unrelated to dental health. Your dentist can help you determine the cause so a treatment plan can be implemented.

1. Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is another name for gum disease, an advanced form of gingivitis. The main complaint of this disease is a bacterial infection in the gums, typically due to extreme plaque buildup on the teeth below the gumline. Between the infection and the bacteria-filled plaque, bad breath odour can become quite overwhelming even in those that carefully brush and use mouthwash. Regular periodontal cleanings combined with at-home maintenance can keep the disease and the odour under control.

2. Untreated Infections

After periodontal disease, other types of oral infections are likely culprits. Untreated and unfilled cavities, particularly in the molars, are common infection sites that tend to lead to bad breath. Abscesses in the gums or under teeth are another hotbed of infection, bacteria, and a bad smell. Daily brushing and flossing can help, but the infection and any cavities must also be treated if the odour is to be eliminated. 

3. Dry Mouth

Bacteria thrive in the mouth when there is little saliva to rinse them away. Reduced saliva production and dry mouth can have a myriad of causes, including but not limited to smoking, the effects of certain medications, and dehydration. Your dentist can help you determine the cause of dry mouth so it can be treated. The best way to fix bad breath caused by dry mouth is to eliminate the cause whenever possible. 

4. Trapped Bacteria

Odour-causing bacteria can become trapped in your mouth, thus leading to bad breath even if you see the dentist regularly and keep up with hygiene at home. Those that have braces, a retainer, or other dental devices end up with many areas for bacteria to hide in their mouth. Crooked or crowded teeth are other common causes, as are partially erupted wisdom teeth. Sometimes your dentist can solve the problem with minor dental work, such as pulling the wisdom teeth or adjusting a mouthpiece. In other cases, your dentist may need to provide instruction on removing the trapped bacteria from these hard-to-reach areas.

Work with your general dentistry clinic to determine the cause of the bad breath so a treatment plan can be developed and implemented.