Hi, I'm Dr. Amy here at Boulder Canyon Dental. We've been getting a lot of questions about bad breath here. I wanted to take some time to answer some of those common questions, giving you a better understanding of what really is bad breath and what causes it.
Dr. Amy, what is bad breath and how do you define it clinically?
Bad breath is defined clinically as an odor emanating from the mouth. It's usually caused by a buildup of bacteria.
What are the most common signs of or what are the most common causes of bad breath?
The most common cause of bad breath is a poor oral hygiene routine. Someone who is not adequately removing all of that plaque and bacteria during their brushing and flossing.
What about uneven surfaces of the tongue or tonsil stones?
Bad breath can also be caused by uneven surfaces of the tongue trapping bacteria or large tonsils creating tonsil stones in the back of the throat.
What is halitosis and how is it different from occasional bad breath?
The difference between halitosis and occasional bad breath is really the bacteria. Halitosis is composed of bacteria that produce a sulfur byproduct, which is a very distinct smell.
Can cavities or tooth decay cause bad breath?
Cavities or tooth decay can cause bad breath, but it is not common.
Can wisdom teeth contribute to bad breath?
Wisdom teeth can contribute to bad breath depending on their position in the mouth. Most patients have their wisdom teeth very straight and upright, which makes it easy to cleanse. Occasionally, we see them rotated to the back or the front, making it easier for them to trap extra plaque and bacteria. This is why it's so important to adequately cleanse those areas.
Is it normal to have bad breath after a tooth extraction?
It is common to have bad breath after a tooth extraction due to the inability to properly maintain oral hygiene. However, if the bad breath is severe, it could be a sign of infection, and you should definitely call your dentist to check your site.
After a tooth extraction, a patient may notice more bad breath than usual because they are not able to perform their normal routine in that area. However, if the bad breath seems excessive or lasts for more than a few days, it's important to call your dentist as this could be a sign of infection.
What are some signs of bad breath that may be chronic rather than occasional?
Some signs that bad breath may be chronic rather than occasional would be how often you're noticing it. If immediately after brushing your teeth every night you still feel like you have bad breath, that could be a sign of another underlying problem.
What dental treatments are available for bad breath?
The best dental treatment for bad breath is proper oral hygiene. Brushing and flossing every single day, utilizing a mouthwash if you feel like that isn't enough. A tongue scraper can even be utilized if you do feel like you're in the category of those with deeper pits and fissures in your tongue.
How do I deal with my tonsil stones?
For patients who suffer from tonsil stones, the best remedy is gargling with warm salt water.
What kind of mouthwash or toothpaste do you recommend for treating bad breath?
There is no one-size-fits-all mouthwash or toothpaste to prevent bad breath. The mechanical removal of plaque is crucial. However, an alcohol-free mouthwash or a toothpaste containing fluoride or nanohydroxyapatite can help prevent plaque from accumulating.
How can someone tell if they have bad breath?
Someone could tell if they have bad breath by either breathing into their hand, asking a friend, or noticing a bad taste in their mouth.
Does diet play a role in bad breath?
Diet can play a role in bad breath. Someone who has a high acidic diet would notice more signs of bad breath because it changes the pH of the mouth. This also applies to keto diets and other trends in dieting. Patients who have a high acidic diet, a keto diet, or other current diet trends can notice more bad breath because it creates a more acidic environment, which in some cases bacteria thrive on.
Is it possible to get rid of bad breath permanently?
It's not possible to get rid of bad breath permanently, but it is possible to prevent it daily through a proper home care routine like brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash. We all love our garlic bread, and you're going to notice some changes in your breath if you enjoy that.
There's a saying in dentistry: brush your teeth in the morning for your friends and brush your teeth at night for your teeth. After you enjoy that morning coffee or bagel, it's important to do a quick mouthwash swish or brush fully because you may not notice that breath forming, but others around you will. Do your co-workers a favor and rinse with some mouthwash and brush your teeth before getting into work.
Call to action. I hope I've been able to answer some of your questions about bad breath today. If you are ready to take action, please give us a call at (970) 514-0662. We're here to help.