Bad Breath: Finding the Cause and Fixing It
Bad breath can be hidden for an hour with mints and mouthwash. Persistent bad breath almost always comes from bacteria in the gums, on the tongue or in a dry mouth, and a hygienist can treat all three.
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It Is Almost Always in the Mouth
About 90% of persistent bad breath, or halitosis, starts in the mouth. Bacteria living in gum pockets, on the back of the tongue and in tartar break down proteins and release sulphur compounds that smell like rotten eggs. The stomach is rarely the cause.
Because you cannot smell your own breath reliably, many people only learn about it from a partner or family member. A hygiene assessment can find the source quickly.
Common Causes
Gums, Tongue, Dry Mouth
Gum disease is the most common cause we see. Deep gum pockets are a perfect home for the bacteria that produce sulphur gases. The back of the tongue is second, especially in people who breathe through their mouth. Dry mouth from medications, mouth breathing or dehydration lets bacteria multiply because saliva is not washing them away. Tartar, food trapped around crowded teeth and old fillings, and infections also contribute.
- Gum disease and deep pockets
- Coating on the back of the tongue
- Dry mouth from medications or mouth breathing
- Tartar and trapped food
- Smoking and vaping
- Sinus or tonsil issues
If your mouth is healthy and breath is still bad, we suggest seeing your physician to rule out sinus, tonsil or medical causes.
How We Treat It
Remove the Source, Not Just the Smell
Bad breath treatment in Edmonton at Yours Dental Hygiene begins with a periodontal assessment to check for gum pockets, followed by a thorough cleaning above and below the gumline. We show you how to clean your tongue properly, recommend the right products for dry mouth if needed, and check for trapped food around teeth and dental work.
Most patients notice a dramatic difference within days of a cleaning.
What Does Not Work
These mask the problem but do not solve it:
- Mints, gum and sprays
- Alcohol-based mouthwash, which dries the mouth further
- Brushing harder or more often without flossing
Home Care That Keeps Breath Fresh
After your cleaning:
Book If
See us when:
- Someone has mentioned your breath
- Bad breath returns within an hour of brushing
- You have a bad taste in your mouth
- Your gums bleed
- Your mouth feels dry, especially in the morning
- You wear a denture or partial
Questions People Often Ask
Can a dental cleaning cure bad breath?
How do I know if I have bad breath?
Does bad breath come from the stomach?
Fresh Breath That Lasts
Yours Dental Hygiene in southeast Edmonton treats the causes of bad breath with evening and weekend appointments, direct billing and CDCP coverage.
