Bad breath happens to everyone. Sometimes the cause is harmless, like that garlic bread you had for dinner. Other times, bad breath can be caused by other factors. Many people say that tooth decay like cavities is one such factor—but is it true?
Tooth decay doesn’t cause bad breath on its own, but each issue often goes hand in hand because they can be caused by the same thing: bacteria. If you aren’t taking the right steps to prevent dental issues, you’re more likely to have a buildup of the bacteria that cause both tooth decay and bacteria.
What Causes Bad Breath?
Bad breath, also called halitosis, can happen for several reasons.
Eating Certain Foods
Foods like garlic, onions, and certain kinds of spices are notorious for causing bad breath. The chemicals in foods that cause bad breath can stay in your body for up to 72 hours.
Poor Oral Hygiene
Poor oral hygiene is one of the most common causes of bad breath. Food particles are left behind in your mouth after you eat, and if you don’t follow proper oral hygiene practices like brushing and flossing, those particles can stay in your mouth for a long time. Eventually, they’ll start to decompose, and the smell will lead to bad breath.
Dry Mouth
Chronically dry mouth results from your body not producing enough saliva, and can lead to the same buildup of food particles (and resulting bad breath) as poor oral hygiene. Dehydration, alcohol, and smoking are all common causes of dry mouth.
Gum Disease and Tooth Infections
Bad breath can be an early sign of gum disease, also known as periodontal disease. In cases of gum disease, bacteria infect the gums, ligaments, and bones that hold your teeth in place. The waste products left behind by these bacteria will decompose and cause bad breath.
An infected tooth (which can lead to needing a root canal treatment) can also cause bad breath, for the same reasons as gum disease.
Other Medical Issues
There are some diseases, like digestive issues and other infections, that can also cause bad breath. If your dentist has ruled out the possibility of there being a dental cause for bad breath, you may want to see a doctor to investigate other potential issues.
What Causes Tooth Decay?
Simply put, tooth decay is caused by acids eating away at the tooth enamel. Sometimes this can be a result of acidic foods like citrus fruits. However, it’s more commonly because of a buildup of bacteria in the mouth, attracted by the sugars left over from eating sweet, starchy, or sticky foods.
The bacteria that build up in the mouth convert the sugars left behind by food into acid and other waste products. If not flushed out with proper oral hygiene, the acid produced by the bacteria will erode the enamel of your teeth over time. This process is normally called tooth decay.
How to Prevent Bad Breath & Tooth Decay
As we mentioned earlier, bacteria are the root cause of both bad breath and tooth decay. Fortunately, there are plenty of preventive dental care steps you can take to keep your teeth health and reduce the risk of bad breath, including:
- Regular brushing and flossing
- Drinking more water (to ensure the body produces enough saliva)
- Regular dental exams
Most importantly, don’t just ignore bad breath. At best, it’s something that can be fixed easily. At worst, it could be a sign of a more serious problem that needs a dentist’s attention.
We Can Help With Bad Breath
Bad breath is embarrassing, but it doesn’t have to be a problem. If you’re concerned about your breath, Dentistry on Danforth can help you put your mind at ease. Contact us today to book an appointment.