We’ve all had the unpleasant and embarrassing experience of realising our breath stinks well into the day. Sometimes, though, you may notice bad breath after brushing your teeth.
When this happens, things get a little confusing. Because you just brushed your teeth and it’s not supposed to smell bad. Bad breath after brushing teeth often hints at an underlying problem. It’s your body’s way of telling you something isn’t right.
What is Bad Breath?
Clinically known as halitosis, bad breath is a condition where your mouth produces an unpleasant odour. In most cases, bad breath is temporary and caused by poor brushing or by eating foods with strong odours. However, you may find yourself having lingering bad breath caused by issues such as gum disease, tonsillitis, or dry mouth.
Reasons for Bad Breath After Brushing
Gum Disease
Also known as periodontal disease, gum disease is one of the most common causes of persistent bad breath. It is also one of the most overlooked.
Gum disease occurs when plaque and bacteria build up below the gumline – in areas your toothbrush can’t reach. When these bacteria grow and multiply, they release gases that cause bad breath. Because the source is hiding under the gums, no amount of brushing will get rid of it.
If you experience bad breath along with:
- gums that bleed when you brush or floss
- red, puffy or tender gums
- gums that appear to be pulling away from your teeth
we recommend getting it checked sooner rather than later. A professional cleaning can help remove bacteria and prevent issues from escalating.
Cavities
Tooth decay can create small holes in your teeth (cavities), which become perfect hiding spots for food particles and breeding grounds for bacteria. When food gets trapped inside a cavity, bacteria begin to break down these food particles, producing a foul-smelling gas.
If you have cavities, even brushing and flossing twice a day won’t help because your toothbrush can’t get inside a cavity to clean it out. Which is why it’s important to get your cavity filled as soon as possible.
Dry Mouth
Did you know that saliva is one of your mouth’s best natural defences?
Yes, it is. In addition to keeping your mouth moist and aiding in digestion, saliva also helps wash away food particles, neutralise acids and keep bacteria in check.
When your mouth isn’t producing enough saliva, the bacteria in your mouth feed on food particles, releasing a foul-smelling odour.
Not Cleaning Your Tongue
This is something many forget.
Your tongue has a rough, uneven surface – a texture that can trap bacteria and food particles, especially towards the back. Failing to clean your tongue allows these bacteria to break down food and protein, releasing sulphur compounds that lead to bad breath.
So make it a point to always brush or scrape your tongue using a tongue scraper.
Old or Ill-Fitting Dental Work
If any dental work you’ve got – like crowns, bridges, fillings and dentures – doesn’t fit snugly, tiny gaps can form between them and your teeth. And these gaps become traps for food and bacteria. Since these spots are hard to clean at home, bacteria can build up and cause bad breath.
Wisdom Teeth
When wisdom teeth don’t emerge fully, food, bacteria, and plaque can get trapped around them. Once again, because these areas are difficult to clean at home, bacteria can accumulate and even lead to infections that cause bad breath.
Health Factors
In addition to dental-related causes, certain health factors can also cause bad breath. For instance, sinus infections, tonsil stones and digestive issues can cause bad breath.
If you notice bad breath even after brushing, a visit to the dentist is a good call. We will identify any dental causes and, if not, point you in the right direction.
Simple Fixes To Minimise Bad Breath
While treating the root cause of bad breath is a must, here are some everyday habits that can make a genuine difference.
- Clean your tongue daily using a tongue scraper or the back of your toothbrush.
- Stay hydrated by drinking water. It helps boost saliva production and wash away bacteria.
- Floss your teeth once a day to clean any leftover food particles your brush might miss.
- Replace your toothbrush every three months or sooner if there’s visible fraying.
- Don’t delay dental check-ups and professional cleaning, which help remove built-up plaque or tartar.
When To See A Dentist for Bad Breath?
If bad breath persists for a couple of weeks, despite good oral hygiene, that’s your cue to book an appointment. Our dentist can examine your mouth and see what’s actually going on and put together a personalised treatment plan to address the cause of bad breath.
Just remember – ignoring bad breath won’t make it go away. In most cases, it will only get worse and lead to more issues.
Got bad breath even after brushing? Schedule an appointment at Ashgrove Dental today to identify the cause.
