Will Cavities Cause Bad Breath?

Cavities not just hurt but also encourage the growth of germs, resulting in foul breath. Decayed teeth can cause consequences for your health.

Most individuals have awful breath when they wake up. The breakdown of food by the bacteria in the oral cavity leads to bad breath. However, when bad breath, also known as Halitosis, affects your confidence and social life, it’s time to identify the cause. Is poor dental health to blame for foul breath? And are your oral care habits good enough to keep away bad breath? Probably. It is crucial to know what causes Halitosis and how you can address it.

What is Halitosis?

Halitosis or chronic bad breath affects a majority of people. It is having a fish-like odor even after brushing or rinsing your mouth with mouthwash.

What Are the Causes of Bad Breath?

There are many causes of bad breath, but the main culprits are bacteria that break down food particles in the mouth and release sulfur compounds. These bacteria thrive in the mouth between the teeth and along the gum line. Cavities and periodontal disease are two common dental problems that can cause bad breath. Cavities are holes in the teeth that allow bacteria to grow, and periodontal disease is an infection of the gums.

A dry mouth also causes bad breath. Saliva washes away particles that cause foul odors from your mouth. Because saliva production reduces, a condition known as dry mouth or Xerostomia can contribute to bad breath. Sleep-induced morning breath is typical of dry mouth, which can worsen if you sleep with your mouth open. A lack of saliva also contributes to a bad taste in the mouth.

Can Cavities Cause Bad Breath?

Yes, cavities can cause bad breath. Cavities provide a place for bacteria to grow and produce sulfur compounds. These bacteria can also cause inflammation and bleeding of the gums. Cavities also contribute to bad breath by leaking food particles and bacteria into the mouth. Cavities can be more problematic when they are on the chewing surfaces of molars because people tend to chew on that area of their mouths more often, allowing cavity-producing bacteria to stay in contact with saliva for more extended periods.

What Are the Treatment Options for Halitosis?

If you are suffering from bad breath in Etobicoke, ON, several treatment options for halitosis are available, depending on the underlying cause. If bad breath is due to cavities, the dentist will need to treat the cavities with a filling or crown.

Your dentist might also recommend replacing harmful toothbrush bristles with softer ones and changing toothbrushes and electric brushes regularly since these items can harbor germs that cause bad breath.

If bad breath is due to a medical condition, the doctor may need to prescribe medication to address the underlying cause.

Other ways you can improve your bad breath include:

• After eating, brush your teeth. To utilize after meals, keep a toothbrush at the office. Brush at least twice daily using fluoride toothpaste. Toothpaste with antibacterial properties aid in the reduction of foul odor emissions from your breath.
• Your tongue has germs, so carefully brushing it may help you detect less-than-ideal smells. A tongue scraper or a toothbrush with a built-in tongue cleaner might benefit individuals who have bacteria buildup on the tongue.
• Clean your bridge or denture at least once a day or as directed by your dentist. If you wear a dental retainer or mouth guard, clean it each time before putting it in your mouth.
• Don’t smoke or drink coffee, soft drinks, or alcohol. Chew gum, preferably sugarless, to stimulate saliva. Your dentist or physician may prescribe an artificial saliva preparation or oral medicine that stimulates saliva flow for persistent dry mouth.
• Increase your daily intake of water by drinking a glass before bed. Avoid onion and garlic, which cause bad breath. Consuming a lot of sweets is also linked with unpleasant breath.
• Make it a habit to go to the dentist regularly. To have your teeth or dentures examined and cleaned, go to the dentist twice a year, generally every six months.

Only a dentist can determine the cause of bad breath and recommend an appropriate treatment. If you are experiencing bad breath, please visit your dentist for an evaluation.

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Visit Regency Dental Centre for more information about how to prevent bad breath.