What Causes Bad Breath and How to Fix It Permanently

Know the Permanent Bad Breath Treatment Solutions for Patients

We have all been there. You lean in to speak to a friend or colleague, and suddenly you notice their subtle step back. Or perhaps you catch a whiff of your own breath and instantly regret that garlicky seasoned lunch. We all have bad breath once in a while, but what happens when you’re dealing with bad breath almost every day? When you understand the bad breath causes, it’s much easier to take action. So, here’s what you need to know about what really causes bad breath and what you can do about it.

What Is the Main Cause of Bad Breath?

Bacteria are the main culprit behind bad breath. When you eat, tiny food particles get left behind between your teeth, along your gum line, and on the rough surface of your tongue. The naturally occurring bacteria in your mouth break down these food particles. During this breakdown process, the bacteria release volatile sulfur compounds—the exact same chemicals that give rotten eggs their distinct, foul odor. When they build up in your mouth, they make your breath smell bad.

Other Bad Breath Causes to Be Aware of

While bacteria breaking down food is the main mechanism behind bad breath, we can point to several, more specific things that worsen the problem:

• Poor Oral Hygiene—If you don’t brush and floss regularly, food particles remain in your mouth and form plaque. If plaque isn’t brushed away, it can irritate your gums and form odor-causing pockets between your teeth and gums.
• Food Choices—Certain foods naturally contain strong-smelling oils. Garlic, onions, and strong spices enter your bloodstream after digestion. They are eventually carried to your lungs, where they can affect your breath every time you exhale.
• Dry Mouth—Saliva constantly washes away food particles and dead cells. If you have dry mouth, you may not be able to wash away these particles as effectively. When they accumulate on your tongue, gums, and cheeks, bad breath may start to occur.
• Tobacco Products—Smoking cigarettes or chewing tobacco leaves a distinct, unpleasant chemical smell in your mouth. Smokers are also much more likely to develop gum disease, which is another major source of bad breath.

Why Does My Breath Smell Even After Brushing?

It can be incredibly frustrating to brush your teeth thoroughly, only to notice that your breath still smells bad minutes later. If this happens to you, your brushing routine might not be as thorough as you think. For one, most people completely ignore their tongue when brushing. If you skip the tongue, you’re leaving the largest bacterial breeding ground in your mouth untouched.

If you still can’t get rid of bad breath, you might be dealing with an underlying condition like chronic sinus infections, postnasal drip, or acid reflux. These issues can push foul-smelling gases up into your mouth and make your breath smell bad.

How to Fix Bad Breath in the Short Term

Sometimes you need an immediate fix before a meeting or a date. Here are a few quick ways to improve your breath on the spot:

• Chew Sugar-Free Gum—Chewing stimulates saliva production, which helps wash away smelly food debris and bacteria. Make sure it’s sugar-free, as sugar actually feeds odor-causing bacteria.
• Drink a Glass of Water—A dry mouth is a smelly mouth. Swishing water around helps dislodge trapped food and washes away some bacteria.
• Use an Alcohol-Free Mouthwash—Alcohol dries out the mouth, which can make bad breath worse in the long run. An alcohol-free antibacterial rinse will temporarily neutralize odors without the drying effect.
• Munch on Crunchy, Healthy Foods—Snacking on a raw carrot or a stick of celery acts like a natural toothbrush, helping to scrape away plaque buildup.

How to Get Rid of Onion Breath

Here’s a specific tip—how to get rid of onion breath in particular. Onions and garlic are notoriously difficult to wash away, and brushing your teeth only masks the smell temporarily. To minimize onion breath, try eating raw apples or chewing on fresh mint leaves. Apples contain a chemical compound that naturally breaks down the smelly sulfur compounds left behind by garlic and onions. Drinking a cup of green tea can also help deodorize your mouth thanks to its high antioxidant content.

How to Get Rid of Bad Breath Permanently

If you have chronic bad breath, you probably need something more than just a quick fix. However, to get rid of bad breath permanently, you’ll need to build a solid daily routine. In addition to speaking with your dentist, take these steps to get started:

• Don’t Skip Flossing—Brushing only cleans part of the surface area of your teeth. The tight spaces between your teeth are where food decays and bacteria multiply. Flossing at least once a day removes this hidden debris and prevents gum inflammation.
• Start Scraping Your Tongue—Invest in an inexpensive metal or plastic tongue scraper. Every morning, gently scrape your tongue from back to front to remove the filmy substance.
• Stay Consistently Hydrated—Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your saliva flowing. Dentists also recommend limiting your intake of coffee and sugary sodas, which can throw off the pH balance of your mouth and encourage bacterial growth.

When to See a Dentist for Bad Breath

If you’ve improved your oral hygiene, stayed hydrated, and cleaned your tongue daily, but your bad breath persists, it is time to seek professional help. Chronic bad breath can be an early warning sign of periodontal disease, which can wreak havoc on your overall well-being if left unchecked. A dentist, like the one at Dental Care of Wheaton, can check your mouth for signs of underlying conditions and come up with a treatment plan that works for you. When you’re ready to prioritize your oral health, contact our Wheaton, IL office to schedule an appointment.