We’ve all been there. You brush your teeth and use mouthwash, but a few hours later, your breath still smells less than fresh. Why does this happen? Here are a few reasons why your mouth might smell bad even after brushing:
- Poor oral hygiene.
- If you’re not brushing and flossing regularly, bacteria can build up in your mouth and cause bad breath. This can also lead to other oral health problems, such as gum disease and tooth decay.
- Dry mouth.
- Saliva helps wash away food particles and bacteria in your mouth, so if you’re not producing enough saliva (due to medication, dehydration, or other factors), your breath may smell bad.
- Certain foods.
- Food habits (such as eating garlic, onions) can leave a lingering odor in your mouth even after brushing. This is because the compounds in these foods are absorbed into your bloodstream and carried to your lungs, where they’re exhaled. Try to eat more healthy food, have a health-friendly diet which might even improve your mental health.
- Smoking.
- It is not only stains your teeth, but it can also cause bad breath. The smoke itself can leave an odor in your mouth, and smoking can also dry out your mouth, leading to bacterial growth.
- Sickness.
- Sometimes when people are sick, not only tooth pain might arise, some bacteria can be present in the mouth causing breath smell bad even after brushing. It needs to be cured in order to normalize your mouth to not have any disturbing smell.
What are the types of bad breath smells?
A lot of times doctors can diagnose or help to diagnose the illness by understanding the types of bad breath smells a person might have. We have selected a few of them for your reference, but please keep in mind that your healthcare provider should diagnose anything for you in order to select the right medication or treatment.
- “Fruity” breath smell.
- This type of bad breath can be a sign of uncontrolled diabetes. When your body can’t produce enough insulin to regulate your blood sugar levels, it may start burning fat for energy instead. This process can create a bad fruity odor in your breath.
- “Sour” breath smell.
- It can be caused by a buildup of bacteria in your mouth, which can lead to gum disease, cavities, or other oral health issues. It can also be caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which can cause stomach acid to back up into your throat and mouth.
- “Metallic” breath.
- If your breath smells metallic, it could be a sign of a serious health issue, such as liver or kidney failure. This type of bad breath can also be caused by certain medications or supplements.
- “Fishy” breath smell.
- A fishy odor in your breath can be a sign of a rare condition called trimethylaminuria, which causes the body to produce too much of a compound called trimethylamine. This condition can cause a fishy odor in your breath, sweat, and urine.
- “Rotting” breath smell.
- If your breath smells like something is rotting, it could be a sign of advanced gum disease, tooth decay, or an oral infection. It can also be caused by a foreign object (like a piece of food) stuck in your mouth or throat.
How to normalize bad breath? Here are a few tips:
- Brush and floss regularly. This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s important to brush your teeth right at least twice a day, use a floss at least once a day to remove food particles and bacteria from your mouth.
- Drink plenty of water. Drinking water can help keep your mouth hydrated and wash away bacteria and food particles.
- Use mouthwash. Mouthwash can help kill bacteria and freshen your breath. Look for a mouthwash that contains fluoride, which can also help prevent tooth decay.
- Avoid certain foods. If you know that certain foods (such as garlic and onions) leave a lingering odor in your mouth, try to avoid them if you’re concerned about bad breath.
- Quit smoking. It can not only improve your overall health, but it can also help combat bad breath smell.
In conclusion, bad breath even after brushing can be caused by poor oral hygiene, dry mouth, certain foods, and smoking. By brushing and flossing regularly, drinking plenty of water, using mouthwash, avoiding certain foods, and quitting smoking, you can combat bad breath and maintain good oral hygiene. If your bad breath persists even after making these changes, it’s important to talk to your dentist or doctor to rule out any underlying health issues.