Why do you still have bad breath even though you brush your teeth every day?

Bad breath can be a real nuisance, no matter what the cause.It can make you feel uncomfortable and is considered a social taboo by many.Whether you think you might need some help freshening your breath or are just curious about the causes of bad breath.This article will provide you with some help as we explore 5 causes of bad breath.

There can be many possible causes of bad breath, but the good news is that many of them are also easy to fix, such as knowing how to properly use an electric toothbrush.So, if you follow some of the steps below, you may find that some simple lifestyle changes can help you get fresh breath that lasts all day long.

We spoke with two dentists, Dr. Inna Chern and Dr. Anjali Rajpal, about the main causes of bad breath and how they recommend patients treat it.Dr. Chern received her dental degree from Stony Brook University of Dentistry and now practices in New York City.Dr. Rajpal received her Doctor of Medical Dentistry degree from Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts, and she currently practices in Beverly Hills, where she is dedicated to integrating art andscience into cosmetic dentistry.

5 Causes of Bad Breath

01 Bacteria

Dr. Chern tells us that bacteria is one of the main causes of bad breath: “Bad breath is caused by bacteria found in plaque and tartar.When plaque collects around the teeth, it contains odor-producing bacteria.”Maintaining healthy oral hygiene habits helps keep bacteria at bay.

02 Fungi

“The most common culprit for oral halitosis is bacterial or fungal buildup on the tongue,” says Dr. Rajpal.According to the Mayo Clinic, thrush or oral candidiasis is a common fungal infection that can lead to bad breath.While thrush is more common in infants or older adults, it can occur at any stage of anyone’s life.It can also be caused by taking some medications.

03 Dry mouth

Dr. Rajpal told Fun Science Magazine that another major cause of bad breath is dry mouth.Also known as xerostomia, dry mouth occurs when your body doesn’t produce enough saliva.There are several potential causes for this condition:aging, certain medications, nerve damage, and some neurological disorders such as dementia.Some healthcare providers recommend chewing sugar-free gum or candy to help relieve symptoms and encourage your body to produce more saliva.If other treatments don’t work, some medications can help boost saliva production.

04 Acid reflux

Acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can also cause bad breath, and a 2008 study published in the journal of General Internal Medicine found a clear link between the two conditions.The study surveyed patients who experienced reflux to see if they also experienced bad breath.Those who suffer from GERD will find that their symptoms are triggered by certain lifestyle factors, including eating large amounts of food, eating before bed or while lying down, or even eating specific foods, including acidic or fried foods.

05 Other health conditions

Dr. Rajpal tells us that bad breath can also be a sign of other health conditions:- “Sinus problems, tonsil disease, diabetes, lower respiratory tract infections, systemic diseases such as kidney or liver failure, or cancer can cause bad breath or halitosis.”If you have tried various treatments and still struggle with bad breath, or if you have other symptoms, then it’s time to bring your problem to your doctor or dentist.They will be able to help you find the root cause of your problem.

Treating bad breath ultimately depends on what is causing the problem.However, there are some general hygiene habits you can follow to help keep your mouth free from odor-causing bacteria.Some lifestyle modifications and dietary changes may help control bad breath.Dr. Inna Chern recommends the following routines to prevent bad breath:

1. Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes
2. Floss or water floss at least once a day
3. Rinse your mouth with mouthwash once or twice a day
4. See your dental care provider twice a year

If good oral hygiene practices don’t improve your breathing, you need to consult your dentist: a deeper cleaning may be needed.Dr. Rajpal explains, “A proper hygiene regimen is essential to mechanically removing any soft plaque before it has a chance to mineralize, harden, and adhere to the teeth.At this point, we as dental professionals need to step in to remove the hardened plaque.Tartar or tartar.Patients with a lot of adhesions under the gums usually complain of bad breath, but will see it disappear after we perform a deep cleaning treatment.”

Your diet also plays an important role in keeping your breath fresh, and it’s not just about avoiding foods that contain garlic!”It’s important to stay well hydrated and focus on a healthy alkaline diet that’s low in carbohydrates and high in crunchy health foods, green vegetables, and probiotics to reduce the ability of bacteria to colonize the oral environment,” explains Dr. Rajpal.Alkalizing foods include green vegetables, nuts, citrus fruits and other natural foods.

Healthcare providers are always available to help with problems like bad breath.Although it is rare, bad breath can be caused by a number of chronic health problems, such as diabetes or kidney and liver failure.If your dentist suspects that your bad breath is not caused by an oral hygiene problem, they may recommend that you consult your doctor.Once any underlying health issues are under control, you may find that your breath becomes odorless once again.