What Causes Bad Breath Even After Brushing?
Halitosis is bad breath that does not go away after brushing and flossing. Temporary bad breath is usually due to food and beverages but sometimes, patients experience chronic bad breath that is not resolved with oral hygiene and has nothing to do with anything that was consumed. There are a number of underlying medical issues that can cause chronic bad breath and will need to be diagnosed and treated by your general doctor.
What causes bad breath even after brushing?
Gum Disease: Periodontal disease is one of the more common causes of halitosis. Your dentist may recommend a deep cleaning along with improved oral hygiene and more frequent professional cleanings. Oral hygiene is the easiest way to prevent bad breath. Plaque and bacteria accumulate on the teeth and soft tissues, causing bad breath as well as a host of more serious dental issues.
Tobacco: Tobacco use, cigarettes, and smokeless sorts, 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. Adding a tongue scraper can greatly improve breath as well, removing bacteria and biofilm buildup.
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.
Diabetes and Ketoacidosis: Patients living with diabetes often have a sweet smell on their breath. 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. Ketoacidosis occurs when the body produces a high level of ketones and requires immediate medical attention and can possibly lead to 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), which is one such issue. Patients with GERD experience stomach acid backing up into the esophagus, irritating the esophageal lining.
Treatment for bad breath resulting from a medical condition will vary depending on the diagnosis. Some may be resolved within a couple of weeks if it is a short-term problem, such as GERD. Once the medical issue is addressed, bad breath may resolve, but if it does not, your dentist can begin treating it as well. If you have chronic bad breath, it is important to speak with your dentist to determine if it is an oral issue or a medical issue that needs to be addressed by your general doctor.