Patient Education
Bad breath
Finding the Real Source
Where bad breath comes from
There are several causes of bad breath — ranging from stomach problems to diet — but most can be found in the mouth itself:
- The tongue (when bacteria grow between the papillae)
- Tooth cavities — especially when food particles get stuck in them
- Gum disease
- Extraction sites during healing
- Dentures that aren’t cleaned properly
- Alcohol and tobacco
If you or someone you know is concerned about bad breath, the first step is a dental check-up. Your dentist can confirm or rule out the mouth as the source.
Why mints don’t fix it
If the source of the bad breath is your mouth, there is little chance mouthwashes or mints can treat the problem — they usually mask it for a short time, and can sometimes make things worse (mouthwashes containing alcohol cause dry mouth, which usually worsens bad breath).
A few non-dental causes are worth knowing too: sore throat, tonsillitis, certain foods, and infections of the air passages. When the cause is found, your dentist will explain the right treatment — and following a good oral-hygiene routine with regular check-ups remains the best prevention of all.
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