Do people tend to move away as you start speaking to them? Chances are that you have bad breath. We understand that this can be a real confidence crusher. But did you know that even with proper brushing, bad breath can still exist? Yes, you read that right. It is not just about oral hygiene; there are other factors at play. Let’s take a deeper look at common reasons why this happens and what can be done about it.
How Brushing Affects Breath?
Brushing your teeth is crucial for maintaining good oral hygiene. It helps prevent the growth of bacteria on food debris, preventing them from festering on your teeth or gums and emitting foul-smelling sulfur compounds. However, bad breath can persist despite diligent brushing, especially if the underlying cause isn’t oral or if dry mouth is a contributing factor.
7 Reasons Why Your Breath Stinks Even After Brushing
1. Cavities and Gum Disease
There are times when even thorough brushing doesn’t properly clean bacteria hiding deep within cavities. They are the major culprits responsible for your bad breath. They May be found in gum pockets as well, which not only leads to bad breath but can also result in tooth loss if left untreated.
2. Certain Foods
If your diet consists of garlic or onion-rich dishes, bad breath after brushing should not come as a shocker. The main reason is the release of compounds from these foods after digestion, entering the bloodstream, and making their way to your lungs.
3. Dry Mouth
Saliva has a crucial job in controlling the bacterial level in your mouth. In situations where you have a dry mouth and cannot produce enough saliva, bacteria multiply in your mouth, leading to bad breath.
4. Smoking
It is often seen that smokers have bad breaths due to tobacco smoke lingering in their mouths. Smoking exacerbates dry mouth as well, increasing the risk of gum disease.
5. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Chronic acid reflux comes with bad breath as a side effect. GERD causes stomach acid and food to repulse into your esophagus, leaving your mouth with a bitter and sour taste, not to mention bad breath.
6. Underlying Health Conditions
Although it is not that rare, bad breath may not be a dental hygiene issue at all but a symptom of an underlying health condition. Some of them are kidney disease, bronchitis, diabetes, intestinal blockage, or peptic ulcer. These conditions disrupt the balance of bacteria and alter the chemicals in your bloodstream.
7. Postnasal Drip
Cold or flu symptoms or strep throat infection can trigger post-nasal drip – a condition where mucus from your nose drips down your throat. This attracts bacteria that are harmful to your mouth odor.
Tips To Deal With Bad Breath
- Keep up with Oral Hygiene: do not skip brushing and flossing, along with routine dental check-ups to combat this issue.
- Tongue Care: Do not forget to scrape your tongue to reduce the buildup of odor-causing bacteria.
- Adequate Hydration: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and prevent dry mouth.
- Quit Smoking: If you smoke, quitting can significantly improve your condition.
- Watch What You Eat: Limit foods with strong odors like garlic, onions, alcohol, coffee, and indigestion-inducing foods.
Closing Note
Bad breath may linger even with regular brushing due to various factors, including dental troubles, dry mouth, smoking, etc. Address them and maintain proper oral hygiene to deal with this issue. At Smile Designs Dentistry, we make sure your oral health stays free of complications. If you wish to learn more about how we can help, contact us at any of the following locations:
- Manteca Location: 295 Spreckels Ave, Manteca, CA 95336
Contact Number: (209) 780-4777 - Pleasanton Location: 1400 Santa Rita Rd, Suite# D, Pleasanton, CA 94566
Contact Number: (925) 234-4421