Bad Breath Causes and Fixes
Chronic bad breath almost always has a findable cause, and mints are not the answer.
The tongue
The majority of odor-causing bacteria live in the coating on the back of the tongue. A tongue scraper used daily makes a noticeable difference.
Gum disease
Bacteria in deep gum pockets produce sulfur compounds. If brushing and scraping do not resolve the problem, this is the most likely cause.
Dry mouth
Saliva washes bacteria away. Medications, mouth breathing and dehydration reduce saliva and let odor build, which is why morning breath exists.
Other sources
Sinus infections, reflux, uncontrolled diabetes and certain diets can all produce distinctive breath odors that dental care alone will not fix.
What to do
Start with a dental exam. Alcohol-based mouthwashes dry the mouth and often make the problem worse over time.
Written by the team at Uptown Dentistry, led by Dr. Nicki Tajalli, DDS, in Uptown Houston. This article is general information, not a substitute for an exam.