What Causes Bad Breath Even After Brushing?
Food and beverages are common causes of temporary bad breath, but sometimes patients experience chronic bad breath that is not resolved with oral hygiene. There are a number of underlying issues that can cause chronic bad breath, and some need to be treated by a general practitioner instead of a dental professional.
What causes bad breath even after brushing?
Gum Disease
Periodontal disease is one of the more common reasons patients experience chronic bad breath. Oral hygiene is the easiest way to prevent bad breath, as without proper brushing and flossing, plaque and bacteria accumulate on the teeth and soft tissues, causing bad breath.
Tobacco Use
Tobacco use can cause bad breath even with regular dental hygiene. Smoking causes dry mouth, which in turn causes bad breath. It is important to practice proper oral hygiene, even more so if you smoke. A tongue scraper can greatly improve breath as well.
Allergies and Sinus Infections
Allergies, colds, strep throat, bronchitis, and sinus infections can all cause bad breath due to the overproduction of mucus, which is a breeding ground for bacteria. Your general doctor can prescribe an antibiotic to treat the infection, and bad breath should resolve on its own once the infection is cleared.
Ketoacidosis
For patients living with diabetes, a sweet smell on their breath is normal. When they go into ketoacidosis, a fecal odor may develop instead of a sweet one. Ketoacidosis is a medical emergency that occurs in patients with type one diabetes and can cause their breath to have a fecal odor from vomiting or dry mouth. It happens when the body produces a high level of ketones, acids in the blood, and requires immediate medical attention and possible hospitalization.
Intestinal Obstructions
An intestinal obstruction in the small or large intestine can make a patient’s breath smell like feces. Anything that the patient consumes if they have an intestinal blockage will not be able to pass into the intestine and instead will ferment in the digestive tract, allowing the odors from the food to escape through the mouth.
Gastrointestinal Issues
Chronic bad breath can result from some gastrointestinal issues, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Patients with GERD experience stomach acid backing up into the esophagus, irritating the esophageal lining.
Halitosis can be resolved within a couple of weeks if the cause is a short-term problem, such as GERD or poor oral hygiene. For those experiencing bad breath as a result of a medical condition, the resolution of bad breath will depend on the treatment for the underlying condition. Once the medical issue is addressed, your dentist can begin treating bad breath if it does not resolve on its own. If you have chronic bad breath, it is important to speak with your dentist to determine the cause and begin treatment.