What Causes Bad Breath?
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What Causes Bad Breath? 7 Surprising Sources of Stinky Breath (And What to Do About It!)
Think your bad breath is just morning breath? Think again. From tongue gunk to hidden wires, these seven causes may surprise you—and one of them you’re probably doing twice!
“Bad breath isn’t just a social worry—it can be a sign your mouth needs help,” says Mas’ood Cajee, DDS, MPH, a Manteca dentist. “Often the cause is hiding in plain sight, like your tongue or that old retainer.”
Here are 7 common culprits:
Smoking – Tobacco dries your mouth, damages tissue, and invites smelly bacteria. Smokers are also more likely to have gum disease (another breath offender).
Smoking (again!) – Yes, it’s worth repeating. It stains, inflames, and reduces your ability to smell and taste—so you might not even notice your own bad breath!
Lingual Wire Retainers – These behind-the-teeth wires can trap plaque and food if not cleaned daily. That crud buildup becomes a cozy home for odor-causing bacteria.
Crud (Food Debris) – Bits of food stuck between teeth, under the gums, or around appliances can rot and smell. Flossing daily helps prevent this.
Your Tongue – The top of your tongue can become a bacterial sponge. A quick daily tongue scrape or brush can do wonders.
Post-Nasal Drip or Throat Issues – Mucus draining down your throat feeds bacteria and smells funky. Allergies, sinus infections, or tonsil stones may be to blame.
Gum Disease – Bleeding, swollen gums are often a sign of infection—and that infection stinks. Regular dental cleanings and good hygiene can prevent or reverse it.
Where to Get More Info:
DID YOU KNOW…
Garlic breath can actually travel through your bloodstream to your lungs—so brushing won’t always fix it!
Dogs can get halitosis too—and it’s often a sign of dental disease.
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