Brushing your teeth twice a day is an important part of maintaining good oral hygiene. However, brushing alone does not always prevent bad breath.
If you regularly notice an unpleasant smell or taste despite brushing your teeth, there may be another cause. Understanding what is contributing to the problem can help you find the right solution.
What Causes Bad Breath?
Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is very common. In many cases, the cause is within the mouth.
Bacteria can build up on the teeth, around the gumline and on the tongue. These bacteria can produce unpleasant-smelling compounds, particularly when plaque and food debris are not removed effectively.
Common causes of bad breath include:
- Plaque and bacterial biofilm.
- Buildup on the tongue.
- Gum disease.
- Tooth decay.
- Dental infection.
- Food trapped between the teeth.
- Dry mouth.
- Smoking.
- Certain foods and drinks.
- Some medical conditions.
Persistent bad breath should not simply be covered up with mints or mouthwash. If it continues, it is worth finding out why.
Why Can I Have Bad Breath If I Brush My Teeth?
Brushing your teeth is essential, but a toothbrush cannot clean every area of your mouth.
For example, bacteria and food debris can remain:
- Between the teeth.
- Along the gumline.
- On the surface of the tongue.
- Around crowns, bridges or other dental work.
- In areas that are difficult to reach with a toothbrush.
This is why cleaning between your teeth and gently cleaning your tongue are also important parts of your daily oral hygiene routine.
If you brush regularly but do not clean between your teeth, you may still have areas where plaque and bacteria are building up.
Could My Tongue Be Causing Bad Breath?
Yes. The tongue can collect bacteria and debris, particularly towards the back where it can be more difficult to clean.
Gently cleaning your tongue once a day with a tongue scraper or cleaner can help reduce the buildup of bacteria that may contribute to bad breath.
You do not need to scrub your tongue aggressively. Gentle cleaning is enough.
Could Gum Disease Be Causing My Bad Breath?
Gum disease is another common cause of persistent bad breath.
Plaque and bacteria around the gumline can cause inflammation. Signs of gum disease can include red, swollen or bleeding gums, as well as bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth.
If your gums bleed when you brush or clean between your teeth, this should not be ignored.
A dental examination can help identify whether gum disease or another dental problem is contributing to your symptoms.
Could Plaque And Biofilm Be Causing My Bad Breath?
Yes. Biofilm is the sticky layer of bacteria that forms continuously on the teeth and around the gumline.
Even with good brushing, some biofilm can remain in areas that are difficult to clean effectively at home. Over time, plaque can also harden into tartar or calculus, which cannot be removed with a toothbrush.
This is where professional hygiene treatment can help.
At Dental House Pinner, Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) uses a specially formulated disclosing solution to highlight biofilm before treatment.
Airflow technology is then used to remove biofilm and surface staining, with targeted instruments used where necessary for harder deposits.
Learn more about Guided Biofilm Therapy at Dental House Pinner.
Could Dry Mouth Cause Bad Breath?
Dry mouth can contribute to bad breath.
Saliva helps to keep the mouth clean. When your mouth becomes dry, bacteria and debris can build up more easily.
Dry mouth can have a number of causes, including dehydration, certain medicines and mouth breathing. If you regularly experience a dry mouth as well as persistent bad breath, speak to your dentist or GP about the possible cause.
What Can I Do To Improve Bad Breath?
Good daily oral hygiene is the starting point.
You should:
- Brush your teeth and gums twice a day for two minutes using fluoride toothpaste.
- Clean between your teeth every day with interdental brushes or floss.
- Gently clean your tongue once a day.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Keep dentures clean if you wear them.
- Avoid smoking.
- Attend regular dental examinations.
- Attend professional hygiene appointments when recommended.
Cleaning between your teeth is particularly important because a toothbrush cannot effectively reach these areas. Your dentist or hygienist can also advise you on the most suitable interdental cleaning method for your mouth.
Can A Hygienist Help With Bad Breath?
A hygienist can help identify areas where plaque, biofilm or tartar are accumulating and provide professional cleaning and personalised oral hygiene advice.
At Dental House Pinner, our hygiene appointments use Guided Biofilm Therapy. The treatment is designed to identify and remove biofilm, helping to maintain healthy teeth and gums while also addressing one of the common oral causes of bad breath.
However, professional cleaning is not a substitute for daily brushing and interdental cleaning. The aim is to work alongside your home-care routine.
When Should I See A Dentist About Bad Breath?
If your bad breath continues despite improving your oral hygiene, you should arrange a dental appointment.
You should also speak to your dentist if you have:
Bleeding or swollen gums.
- Persistent gum discomfort.
- Toothache.
- A loose adult tooth.
- A persistent unpleasant taste.
- Signs of a dental infection.
These symptoms may indicate an underlying dental problem that needs assessment and treatment.
Book A Hygiene Appointment In Pinner
If you are concerned about persistent bad breath, an examination can help identify whether there is an underlying dental cause. A professional hygiene appointment can also help remove plaque, biofilm and deposits that are difficult to manage at home.
At Dental House Pinner, we provide Guided Biofilm Therapy as our professional hygiene treatment.
Learn more about Guided Biofilm Therapy or book a hygiene appointment with our team to discuss your oral health and find out how we can help.
