Why do I have bad breath even though I have good hygiene?

Mouth infections can cause bad breath. However, if your dentist has ruled out other causes and you brush and floss every day, your bad breath could be the result of another problem, such as a sinus condition, gastric reflux, diabetes, liver or kidney disease. In this case, see your healthcare provider.


What can cause bad breath even after brushing?

Let's look at some of the reasons that bad breath may linger even after you've brushed your teeth well.
  • Cavities and gum disease. The bacteria that cause bad breath can hide in cavities in your teeth. ...
  • Dry mouth. ...
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) ...
  • Underlying health conditions. ...
  • Certain foods. ...
  • Postnasal drip. ...
  • Smoking.


What is it called when your breath stinks even after brushing?

Halitosis. The microscopic uneven surface of the tongue can trap bacteria that produce odors, contributing to bad breath. Bad breath, also called halitosis, can be embarrassing and in some cases may even cause anxiety.


Why does my breath still stink when I've tried everything?

Infections like a sinus infection, chronic bronchitis, and other infections and conditions affecting your nose, throat, sinuses, and mouth can contribute to bad breath due to high levels of bacteria. Tonsil stones are a rare condition that also may cause extremely bad breath.

How do you fix consistently bad breath?

To reduce or prevent bad breath:
  1. Brush your teeth after you eat. Keep a toothbrush at work to use after eating. ...
  2. Floss at least once a day. ...
  3. Brush your tongue. ...
  4. Clean dentures or dental appliances. ...
  5. Avoid dry mouth. ...
  6. Adjust your diet. ...
  7. Regularly get a new toothbrush. ...
  8. Schedule regular dental checkups.


What Causes Bad Breath?



What does cavity breath smell like?

Breath that smells rotten or fetid (like garbage or death)

The odors from old food and bacterial growth may smell like decay. Likewise, poor dental health can lead to: cavities. ulcers.

How can you tell if your breath stinks?

If you lick your wrist, let it dry for a moment, then take a whiff, you should be able to get an idea if your breath has an odor too. Another method is to floss toward the back of your mouth, then smell the floss. Or gently scrape your tongue using a tongue scraper or soft bristle toothbrush, then smell the scraper.

Is it true that you can't smell your own breath?

However, many people may be too embarrassed to ask a loved one if the problem needs to be addressed. Another possible reason is our natural inability to actually smell our own breath, caused by an opening in the back of the mouth behind the soft palate, called the pharynx, which connects it to the nose.


Can your breath stink from not eating?

Saliva acts as a natural remedy to foul breath. When you go long periods without eating, your saliva flow decreases. The longer you go without eating, the lower the flow gets, leading to a dry mouth and bad breath. This is the way people suffer from the common plague of “morning breath”.

Can my breath smell without me knowing it?

Levine, DMD, an associate professor at the NYU School of Dentistry, more than half of us suffer from it. "Most people do have bad breath and just do not know it," he says.

Can halitosis be cured permanently?

How can I permanently get rid of bad breath? As mentioned above, treating the underlying condition is the only halitosis cure. Gum and breath mints only cover up the problem. Once your healthcare provider determines what caused halitosis, they can create a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.


Does everyone have morning breath?

“Everyone has morning breath to some degree,” says Sally J. Cram, DDS, a periodontist in the Washington, D.C., area and a consumer adviser for the American Dental Association. Here's the simple reason why: When you sleep, your mouth dries out. When your mouth dries out, odor-producing bacteria proliferate.

Is halitosis reversible?

Halitosis is the formal name for bad breath. And if you suffer from this common issue, you know how embarrassing it can be. But the good news about bad breath is that it's completely reversible, as long as you know how to handle it.

Which mouthwash is best for bad breath?

Best mouthwashes for bad breath
  • Colgate Total Pro-Shield. If you are looking for fresh breath and a way to kill the germs present in your mouth, then Colgate total pro-shield will give you just that. ...
  • Crest Pro-Health Multi-Protection. ...
  • ACT Dry mouthwash. ...
  • Listerine Cool Mint Antiseptic.


Which doctor do you see for bad breath?

If the bad breath is due to improper oral healthcare, in most cases your dentist will treat the cause of the problem. If the cause is an underlying gum disease, the condition may be treated by your dentist. Or you may be referred to an oral specialist--in most cases, a periodontist.

What does gingivitis smell like?

Gingivitis can cause your breath to smell like sulfur or rotten eggs. This is because of the bacteria in your mouth releasing chemicals that smells like these things. If you have gingivitis, you may also notice that your gingiva, or gums, are red and swollen. You may also bleed when you brush or floss your teeth.

Can your breath stink from stress?

At certain times when we feel anxious, our mouth becomes dry. This is due to the stress hormones cortisol, adrenaline, and noradrenaline. Together, these hormones can change the production of the bacteria VSC, making your breath smell bad.


What is ketosis breath?

Some describe keto breath as having a metallic taste in their mouth and a smell that's sweet, fruity or similar to nail polish remover. This is caused by the chemicals your body creates during ketosis, which are released from the body by exhaling.

How do you make your breath smell good for a kiss?

Sugarless gum contains xylitol. Xylitol kills bacteria, which is the leading cause of bad breath. Another perk of using sugarless gum as a breath enhancer is affordability. For a few dollars, your breath can stay fresh and ready for kissing whenever you are.

How do I smell myself?

One way is to take your shirt off and sniff that instead of your skin, recommends Lifehacker. Other ways to check your own scent is to rub your scalp, then smell your fingers; check your breath by licking your arm, waiting a second, then sniffing the spot. Or even quicker and easier—ask your parent to give you a whiff!


Can you smell your own cavity?

But for a person who isn't regularly seen by a dentist you're probably wondering to yourself “Do cavities smell?” Absolutely. If cavities go untreated until you may notice unpleasant symptoms of advanced decay. Advanced tooth decay and plaque accumulation can lead to bad breath and a bad taste in your mouth.

What are the early signs of rotting teeth?

Symptoms of tooth decay

tooth sensitivity – you may feel tenderness or pain when eating or drinking something hot, cold or sweet. grey, brown or black spots appearing on your teeth. bad breath. an unpleasant taste in your mouth.

What do rotting teeth smell like?

Tooth decay creates a sulphurous or bad smell due to the enamel and dentine being broken down. As the bacteria consume these substances, they release a gas into your mouth that creates the unpleasant odour that occurs with cavities and rotten teeth.


What causes smelly throat?

Halitosis is caused by sulphur-producing bacteria in the tongue and throat. The major causes include a dry mouth caused by certain foods, smoking, poor oral hygiene and a coated tongue. The treatment of halitosis will depend on the underlying cause.

Does Listerine cure halitosis?

Rinsing with mouthwash allows you to clean virtually your entire mouth and helps freshen your breath. A twice-daily routine of brushing, flossing and rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash like LISTERINE® Mouthwash can help prevent and treat halitosis.