What Causes Bad Breath Even After Brushing?
There are different things that can cause bad breath. This can include things such as bad oral hygiene, vomiting, a sinus infection, and other oral health problems. Halitosis is a term commonly used to describe chronically bad breath. Many patients experience bad breath, which can be uncomfortable and concerning.
While some things that cause bad breath are not overly concerning, other things can be more serious and require treatment in a timely manner. Below is a summary of common causes for bad breath.
Oral Hygiene
Perhaps the most common cause of bad breath is the failure to practice good oral hygiene. When patients do not perform routine brushing and flossing, it is easy for plaque and bacteria to accumulate. When this is not removed on a regular basis, it results in bad breath and a foul odor in the mouth.
Gum disease is another common culprit for bad breath. It is mainly caused by bad oral hygiene or neglect as well. An overgrowth of bad bacteria creates a bad mouth odor. It is also important to practice good oral hygiene to ensure dentures and crowns are clean.
Vomiting
Over time, frequent vomiting can result in dehydration. This can cause dryness in the mouth and ultimately bad breath. Saliva is important in maintaining good overall oral health.
Sinus Infection
A sinus infection is another possible cause for bad breath. This could be caused by things such as a cold, strep throat, or other health issues. Symptoms of a sinus infection may include things such as a fever, chronic cold, yellow drainage, fatigue, swelling, and headaches.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease or GERD may cause bad breath as well. With this disease, the stomach acid flows up into the esophagus, causing irritation and discomfort. A summary of GERD symptoms is outlined below:
- Reflux, which occurs once or more each week
- Heartburn in the evening or following the consumption of food
- Swallowing difficulty
- Regurgitation of food or bile
- Feeling the sensation of a lump in your throat
- Loss of the ability to speak or laryngitis
- An ongoing cough
- Asthma of difficulty breathing
- Sleep issues or insomnia
Obstructed Bowel
If a patient has an intestinal obstruction, this is considered to be a dangerous medical condition that requires emergency treatment. An obstructed bowel is caused by a blockage in the large or small intestine. When this type of blockage takes place, it can make the breath smell like feces. Food that is consumed while the bowel is obstructed remains in the digestive tract and is not properly digested. It results in very bad breath, which remains until the obstruction is resolved.
Symptoms of an intestinal obstruction include the following:
- Change or loss of appetite
- Bloating in the abdomen
- Swelling, pain, and cramps
- Constipation
- Vomiting or nausea
- A loose stool or diarrhea
If you have bad breath that is not improving with regular brushing and flossing at home, contact the office for an appointment. We can work with you to identify the cause of the issue and ensure it is resolved. Patients should not have to live with bad breath.