Beyond the Mint: Unmasking the Real Causes of Bad Breath

Dr.Prabigya Shiwakoti  |  September 27, 2024  |  5 min read


Do you avoid close conversations, speak through clenched teeth with your partner, or suppress a hearty laugh at work? You’re not alone. Bad breath, or halitosis, is an issue that almost everyone deals with at some point in their life. While popping a mint, chewing gum, or using mouth

fresheners may seem like quick fixes, they only provide a temporary cover-up. The real culprits often run deeper, ranging from poor oral hygiene to specific health conditions. Let’s dive into the root causes and debunk common myths surrounding bad breath.


Bad breath and dentist tips

What Causes Bad Breath?

1. Poor Oral Hygiene

Neglecting to brush or floss properly allows food particles to linger in the mouth, becoming breeding grounds for bacteria. As these bacteria feed on leftover particles, they release foul-smelling compounds. Not only do these particles rot, causing an unpleasant odour, but poor oral hygiene can also lead to plaque buildup, gum disease, and cavities, which are all contributors to bad breath.

2. Dry Mouth

Saliva plays a crucial role in keeping your mouth clean by washing away food debris and neutralising acids. A dry mouth creates the perfect environment for odour-causing bacteria to thrive. This is why many people experience “morning breath,” as saliva production decreases during sleep—especially for those who sleep with their mouths open. Conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome or certain medications can also reduce saliva flow, exacerbating the issue.

3. Certain Foods

Everyone knows that strong-smelling foods like garlic and onions can cause temporary bad breath, but the problem goes deeper. These foods are absorbed into your bloodstream, and when they enter your lungs, their pungent odour is released through your breath. This means even brushing your teeth after a meal won’t fully eliminate the odour, as it can linger until the food is fully metabolised.

4. Health Conditions

Halitosis can sometimes signal an underlying health issue. Respiratory infections such as bronchitis, chronic sinusitis, and post-nasal drip can lead to bad breath, as can gastrointestinal problems like GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). Additionally, people with uncontrolled diabetes may experience a distinct breath odour, indicating a potentially dangerous buildup of ketones in the blood. Serious conditions like kidney or liver failure also have breath-related symptoms, sometimes described as “fishy” or ammonia-like.

5. Habits Like Smoking and Alcohol Consumption

Tobacco and alcohol not only have their own offensive odours but also contribute to dry mouth. Smokers are more likely to develop gum disease (periodontitis), a severe oral health condition that can further aggravate bad breath. In fact, up to 90% of people with periodontal disease suffer from halitosis. The consumption of alcoholic beverages can worsen this problem due to the dehydrating effects of alcohol.

Simple Self-Care Tips for Fresher Breath

While bad breath can be embarrassing, you can improve it with some simple habits:

1. Brush After Eating

Keeping a toothbrush handy at work or while traveling can help remove food particles in case they get stuck after meals. This will prevent them causing bad odour over time.

2. Floss Daily

Flossing helps dislodge particles stuck between your teeth, where brushing can’t reach. Aim to floss after fibrous meals to prevent food buildup.

3. Brush Your Tongue

Your tongue, especially the back, is often a breeding ground for bacteria. Lightly brushing it can remove food debris and dead cells that contribute to bad breath.

4. Maintain Oral Appliances

If you wear dentures, bridges, or orthodontic devices, make sure to clean them daily to prevent the buildup of bacteria.

5. Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of water throughout the day to prevent dry mouth. Avoid relying on coffee or carbonated drinks to stay refreshed, as they can dry out your mouth and make the odour worse.

6. Chew Sugar-Free Gum

Chewing gum stimulates saliva production, helping to keep your mouth moist and clean. Choose sugar-free gum to avoid feeding the bacteria that can lead to tooth decay.

7. Replace Your Toothbrush Regularly

Change your toothbrush every two to three months or sooner if the bristles become frayed.

8. Schedule Regular Dental Checkups

Visiting your dentist every six months for a routine exam can help identify any underlying issues before they worsen.

9. Consult with a Dentist

If bad breath persists despite your best efforts, schedule a dental examination. Halitosis can sometimes be a sign of a more serious health issue. Book a consult with us.

Common Myths About Bad Breath

Myth 1: Mouthwash is a Permanent Solution

While mouthwash can temporarily mask bad breath, it doesn’t address the root cause. In fact, many mouthwashes contain alcohol, which can dry out your mouth and make the problem worse over time. Instead of relying on mouthwash, look for alcohol-free options or those with antibacterial properties to reduce bacteria buildup.

Myth 2: Bad Breath Only Comes from the Mouth

Bad breath isn’t just about oral hygiene. It can originate from other health issues as well. So while brushing and flossing are essential, persistent halitosis could indicate a deeper issue that requires medical attention.

Myth 3: Mints and Chewing Gum Will Solve the Problem

Chewing mints or gum can help stimulate saliva and freshen your breath, but the effects are only temporary. If you’re constantly relying on mints, you’re only masking the symptoms without addressing the root cause. In some cases, sugary gum or mints can even worsen bad breath by feeding bacteria in your mouth.

Myth 4: Brushing Your Teeth Multiple Times a Day Will Cure Bad Breath

Excessive brushing can dry out your mouth, which paradoxically makes bad breath worse. Additionally, aggressive brushing can wear down tooth enamel and damage your gums over time. Stick to brushing twice a day and incorporate flossing and tongue cleaning into your routine.

Myth 5: If You Have Bad Breath, You’ll Know It

You might think you’d notice if you had bad breath, but that’s not always the case. Our noses often become desensitised to our own smells (a phenomenon called “olfactory adaptation”). This is why it’s common to be unaware of chronic bad breath, even if it’s noticeable to others.

Myth 6: Bad Breath Comes from Eating Certain Food

While foods like garlic and onions are well-known culprits, bad breath is not always caused by what you eat. In fact, poor oral hygiene, dry mouth, and underlying health conditions are often more significant contributors to chronic bad breath than food alone.

By addressing the root causes of bad breath and adopting healthy habits, you can enjoy fresher breath and greater confidence. Understanding the myths and misconceptions surrounding halitosis is key to solving the problem for good.



The ideas expressed in the above article are solely meant for general guidance to understand your conditions. While we have made attempts to ensure that the information contained are up to date, it should not be taken as a professional advice for your conditions. We cannot guarantee the accuracy and results of the suggested ideas for your conditions. Dock Dental or the author is not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for the results obtained from the use of the above information.

We strongly advise you to talk to your dentist about your condition to get a proper solution. If you do not have a regular dentist, you can also book an appointment online or call us at 02 7253 0333 to talk to our dentist.