Bad Breath: It Might Not Be The Garlic

There are a variety of possible reasons which may explain why your breath doesn’t smell like roses and plum blossoms. Many of these reasons, like eating certain foods, aren’t a significant problem and there’s nothing you can or should do about it aside from masking the scent with a breath freshener. However, persistent bad breath may also indicate that something serious is happening to your teeth or to your diet, and it may be worth speaking with your dentist to identify the cause.

Here are a few of the more troubling reasons why a breath mint may not be enough of a solution:

 

Periodontal Disease

“Periodontal disease” actually refers to a range of conditions, but it most often refers to gingivitis, and if gingivitis is left untreated, it becomes periodontitis. If plaque and tartar are permitted to form and build up around the base of your teeth, the bacteria that live there can infect your gums, causing them to swell and release a notoriously bad smell. Gingivitis isn’t actually harmful to your teeth or gums, but it’s a good warning sign that you need to improve your dental hygiene fast because periodontitis will destroy your gums and jaw if left untreated, causing your teeth to come loose and fall out.

 

Low Carbohydrate Diet

The way that low-carb diets work is they force your body to use up the carbohydrate reserves which surround your organs so that you’ll instead burn fat for fuel. Normally, fat molecules are converted into carbohydrates first, but by burning them directly your body will create new chemicals called ketones. Ketones get into your bloodstream and can leave your body through the lungs, giving your breath an unpleasant and unnatural smell. Unfortunately, there’s very little you can do about this smell aside from drinking lots of water and keeping a breath mint ready at all times.

 

Unclean Fillings, Dentures, Or Implants

If there’s something in your mouth beyond your natural teeth, then the problem may be a buildup of bacteria or decaying food stuck in a manmade crevice. Depending on the implant or filling in question, this may be easier or harder to deal with than cleaning your teeth normally. If it happens often, then you should visit your dentist to get the offending addition refitted or replaced.

Bad breath happens to everyone, especially in the morning when the bacteria in your mouth has had a few hours to grow unmolested. However, with a proper diet and good dental hygiene, the only time you should have to worry about your breath is after eating the garlic bread at an Italian restaurant.