Bad Breath Causes



Bad breath, or halitosis, is an oral health problem that can be a source of embarrassment, stress, and anxiety. Fortunately, most bad breath causes are easy to treat and are often preventable. All Smiles Dentistry is your trusted family dental care provider in Lake Jackson, TX, and is prepared to help you with oral hygiene care that can relieve you of embarrassing mouth odor.



There are several ways that food can affect your breath.

Poor oral hygiene is the leading cause of most cases of bad breath. When you do not properly clean your mouth, food particles remain and break down in and around your teeth, increasing bacteria and plaque buildup. Your tongue and tonsils can also trap food particles, which also contributes to bad breath. Tell your dentist if you have gaps between teeth that always pack food after meals.

Onions, garlic and spices don’t just cause bad breath immediately after eating. When you digest these foods and they enter your bloodstream, they are carried to your lungs, meaning you can exhale a foul smell long after you’ve eaten, particularly garlic.

Does coffee cause bad breath? The answer is yes, both coffee and alcohol can leave you with an immediate foul mouth odor, but much like aromatic foods, mouth odor can be a long-lasting problem with these beverages. They reduce saliva production, which actually aids bacteria growth and contributes to smell.



A variety of health conditions are associated with bad breath, but often, treating the underlying issue can improve breath odor.

Saliva helps your mouth remain clean because it removes food particles.”Morning breath” is caused because the production of saliva slows when you sleep, but if you have a persistently dry mouth and bad breath during the day, it could be due to problems with your salivary glands. These problems could be brought on by alcohol, or coffee consumption, or being under-hydrated. Many prescription medications cause dry mouth.

If you have tooth decay, gum disease or mouth sores, it could lead to bad breath. Food particles that cause plaque and cavities often lead to these issues, so preventative measures can reduce the likeliness of a whole host of oral health issues. Bad breath can also happen if you have surgical wounds after oral surgery, so this may only be a temporary issue.

Sometimes, bad breath can actually be a symptom of non-oral related health problems. Certain types of cancer or metabolic disorders, gastroesophageal reflux disease, blood disorders, diabetes, or liver or kidney issues can all cause bad breath.



The most important thing you can do to prevent bad breath is practice good oral hygiene. Proper brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash keeps your teeth and mouth free of food particles and reduces the chance for bacteria growth.

It is also important to maintain regularly scheduled dental check-ups and cleanings, because preventative care goes a long way to reducing tooth decay and other issues.

If you have diabetes or other health issues that affect your oral health, it is important to inform your dentist so that you can be proactive about monitoring and preventing gum disease or other common oral health problems that may arise.

If you are brushing regularly and your breath still smells bad afterwards, you may not actually be adequately cleaning your mouth and removing food particles. It could also be caused by your diet, heavy use of tobacco products, or underlying health issues. Understanding the true cause of bad breath can help you eliminate the issue.

If you are practicing good oral health and still feel your breath is concerning, do not hesitate to

reach out to your dentist. Your dentist can give you advice on brushing techniques, improve your oral health regimen, provide deep cleanings, and also suggest if you may need to see a doctor about other health issues.



At All Smiles Dentistry, you will find premium dental care in a friendly and welcoming environment. All Smiles Dentistry offers affordable finance options no matter what type of care you need – from general dental care to periodontal disease care, to orthodontics and more, you can find a full range of preventative and restorative services to keep you and your family’s mouth healthy. Whether you

find yourself suffering from bad breath or are simply looking for a new dentist in the Lake Jackson, TX area, contact All Smiles Dentistry today to schedule an appointment and get back to a healthy smile you’re proud to share.