There are different causes of bad breath, but the most common is gum disease. Most other causes are also found in the mouth. Common causes of bad breath include:
- Gum and periodontal disease
- Certain types of food like garlic and spices
- Bacteria on the tongue growing between the papilla
- Cavities and food particles caught between teeth
- Extraction sites while healing from surgery
- Dentures that have not been cleaned properly
- Alcohol and tobacco
If the source is in the mouth, it’s not likely that mouthwash or mints will be able to treat the problem.
There are also non-dental reasons for bad breath. These can include sore throat, tonsillitis, or infection of air passages.
The first step to dealing with a bad breath problem is to get a dental checkup. Dr. Cadigan will be able to confirm or rule out the source of the bad breath. When the cause is found, he’ll determine the recommended treatment and explain it to you.
If the source is in the mouth, it’s not likely that mouthwash or mints will be able to treat the problem. These approaches might be able to mask the problem for a short period of time, but they can even make the problem worse. For example, mouthwashes that contain alcohol cause dry mouth, and this increases of bad breath problem.
Make sure you follow a good dental hygiene routine, and receive regular dental checkups. These are the best way to prevent bad breath.
