What causes bad breath?
Bacteria break down food and dead cells and release sulfur gases. Anything that gives them more places to hide makes breath worse.
- A coated tongue, especially at the back
- Gum disease and deep gum pockets (gum disease)
- Cavities and leaking fillings or crowns (tooth decay)
- Dry mouth from medicines, mouth breathing or not drinking enough
- Food caught between teeth or under a bridge
- Smoking, coffee, garlic and onions
How can I get rid of bad breath at home?
What works
- Brushing twice a day, and brushing or scraping your tongue
- Cleaning between teeth every day
- Drinking water through the day
- Sugar-free gum to keep saliva flowing
- Cleaning dentures and night guards daily
What only covers it up
- Mints and breath sprays
- Strong alcohol mouthwashes, which can dry the mouth
- Chewing gum with sugar
- Brushing harder instead of cleaning between teeth
How does a dentist treat bad breath?
Dr. Sayeed asks how long it’s been going on, about your routine and any medicines, then checks your teeth, tongue, gums and fillings, and looks for signs of dry mouth.
- A professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar. Read about dental cleanings.
- Treating gum disease if pockets are trapping bacteria.
- Repairing decay and replacing leaking fillings or crowns.
- Help with dry mouth, including when a medicine is the cause.
Why do I have bad breath even after brushing?
Brushing misses the tongue, the spaces between teeth and pockets under the gums. If breath stays bad despite a good routine, a check usually finds the reason.
When is bad breath not coming from your mouth?
If your teeth and gums are healthy and breath stays bad, the cause may be elsewhere: sinus or throat infections, tonsil stones, acid reflux, diabetes, or some medicines. Dr. Sayeed will tell you if he thinks that’s likely, so you can see your doctor.
What causes chronic bad breath?
Breath that stays bad for weeks usually has a dental cause, such as gum disease, a coated tongue or dry mouth. Occasional morning breath is normal.
Bad breath questions
Patients come to us from Kingston, Port Ewen, Lake Katrine, Hurley, Saugerties, Woodstock and across Ulster County.
How can I tell if bad breath is from my stomach?
Stomach-related bad breath is rare. If a dental check finds no cause, reflux or another medical cause is more likely, and your doctor can help.
Can gum disease cause bad breath?
Yes. It’s one of the most common causes. Read about gum disease treatment.
Does dry mouth cause bad breath?
Yes. Saliva washes bacteria away, so less saliva means stronger odor. Many medicines cause dry mouth.
What drink helps bad breath?
Water. Sipping it through the day keeps your mouth moist. Coffee and alcohol tend to make breath worse.
Is bad breath a sign of a cavity?
It can be. Food and bacteria collect in deep cavities and around broken fillings.
