Dry mouth, reduced saliva production

According to Times of India, saliva moistens the mouth, cleanses food residue, and limits bacterial overgrowth. When saliva production decreases, the mouth dries, and debris lingers. Bacteria then break down these substances, producing unpleasant-smelling compounds.

Dry mouth can result from insufficient water intake, mouth breathing, or certain medications. Individuals with chronic nasal congestion who frequently breathe through their mouths often notice more pronounced bad breath, especially upon waking.

Plaque buildup on the tongue

The tongue's uneven surface, particularly at the back, easily traps shed cells, food particles, and bacteria. Brushing teeth without cleaning the tongue allows these substances to accumulate, fostering bacterial growth and contributing to bad breath.

Proper oral hygiene helps reduce bad breath. *Anh Chi*.

Food trapped between teeth

Small food fragments can lodge between teeth, around gum lines, or in hard-to-reach areas. If not removed, these fragments provide a breeding ground for bacteria. The decomposition of food can produce unpleasant-smelling compounds, causing bad breath.

This explains why brushing twice daily might not fully clean the mouth. Interdental cleaning helps remove food and plaque from areas a toothbrush cannot reach.

Inflamed gums

When plaque accumulates along the gum line, gums can become swollen, red, or bleed easily. Bacteria and inflammation in the gums can contribute to odor-causing compounds.

If gums frequently bleed when brushing, are swollen, or have an unusual odor, do not simply try to mask the smell with mints or mouthwash. These could signal underlying oral issues requiring professional examination and treatment.

Tooth decay

According to Verywell Health, tooth decay can create hard-to-clean damaged areas where food and bacteria easily accumulate. The decomposition of food and bacterial activity in these damaged areas can lead to persistent bad breath.

Some individuals notice the odor persists despite brushing or using mouthwash. In such cases, oral hygiene may only temporarily reduce the smell if the root cause is tooth damage.

To prevent bad breath, brush regularly with fluoride toothpaste, clean between teeth, and gently clean your tongue. Adequate water intake also helps maintain oral moisture. If bad breath persists despite proper hygiene, especially with tooth pain, bleeding gums, dry mouth, or oral lesions, seek professional examination to determine the cause.

Le Nguyen (Compiled)