You brush, you use mouthwash, you chew gum, and an hour later you’re cupping your hand to check your breath again. It’s frustrating, and a little embarrassing.
Here’s the good news: breath that lingers usually has a cause, and once you find it, it’s very fixable.
The Bottom Line
- Morning breath and “I just ate garlic” breath are normal and fade on their own.
- Breath that hangs around after brushing usually has a cause, often in the mouth.
- Common causes include a coated tongue, gum problems, dry mouth and food trapped around old fillings or crowns.
- Cleaning your tongue, flossing every day and drinking water can make a real difference.
- If it doesn’t improve, a cleaning and exam can find what’s behind it.
Everyday Bad Breath vs. Breath That Lingers
Everyone has bad breath sometimes. Your mouth gets drier overnight, so morning breath is normal. Strong foods like onions, garlic and coffee leave their mark for a few hours. These kinds of breath go away after you brush, eat or drink some water.
Breath that comes right back after brushing, or that people around you notice day after day, is different. That’s your mouth telling you something needs attention.
Common Causes of Lingering Bad Breath
A coated tongue. The back of your tongue has tiny grooves where bacteria and bits of food collect. This coating is one of the most common sources of bad breath, and brushing your teeth alone doesn’t reach it.
Gum problems. When plaque builds up along the gumline, gums can get puffy and start to bleed. Bacteria tucked under the gums give off a stubborn odor. Gum disease often doesn’t hurt in the early stages, so many people don’t know they have it.
Dry mouth. Saliva rinses your mouth all day long. When there isn’t enough of it, odor builds up fast. Dry mouth can come from breathing through your mouth, not drinking enough water, or some medicines.
Food trapped around old fillings or crowns. Older dental work can wear down or pull away a little at the edges. Food gets caught in those spots, and floss and brushing can’t always get it out.
Some medications. Many common medicines can dry out your mouth, and a few can change how your breath smells. Don’t stop a medicine on your own. Mention it to us and your doctor.
Other causes. Sinus drainage, tonsil stones, smoking, reflux and some health conditions can also play a part. If your mouth checks out healthy, we may suggest you talk with your doctor.
What Helps at Home
- Clean your tongue. Use a tongue scraper or your toothbrush once a day, from back to front. Rinse after.
- Floss every day. Floss or use interdental picks to clear the spaces your brush can’t reach.
- Brush twice a day for two minutes, with a fluoride toothpaste, and reach the gumline.
- Drink water through the day, especially after coffee and meals.
- Chew sugar-free gum to get saliva flowing.
- Clean dentures, retainers and night guards every day.
Mouthwash can freshen your breath for a little while, but it covers the smell rather than fixing the cause.
When to Come In
Book a visit if:
- Bad breath hangs on for more than a couple of weeks even with good brushing, flossing and tongue cleaning
- Your gums bleed, look puffy or feel sore
- You notice a bad taste that keeps coming back
- Food keeps getting stuck in the same spot
- Your mouth feels dry most of the time
At a cleaning and exam, we remove the hardened tartar that brushing can’t, check your gums, and look over your fillings and crowns for gaps where food can hide. Not sure how often you should come in? Read how often you really need a dental cleaning.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I have bad breath?
It’s hard to judge your own breath. Ask someone you trust, or notice whether a bad taste keeps coming back.
Does mouthwash fix bad breath?
It can freshen your breath for a short time, but it doesn’t remove the cause. Tongue cleaning, flossing and regular cleanings do more.
Can bad breath come from my stomach?
Sometimes, for example with reflux. But most lingering bad breath starts in the mouth, so that’s the best place to check first.
No dental insurance?
Our Dental Discount Plan includes exams, X-rays and cleanings, plus 30% off other treatment. We also offer payment plans.
References
Ready for Fresher Breath?
If your breath isn’t improving, we’ll help you find out why. Book a cleaning and exam and we’ll take a close look.
Request an appointment online or call Dental Enhanced at (725) 765-9500.
340 E Warm Springs Rd STE 100, Las Vegas, NV · Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM · dentalenhanced.com
This article is for general information and isn’t a substitute for professional dental advice.
