Why Do I Have Bad Breath? Causes, Remedies & When to See a Dentist
Bad breath (also called halitosis) affects millions of people — and while mints or mouthwash may help short-term, they often don’t fix the real problem.
At Atlantis Dental in Framingham, MA, we take a deeper look. If your bad breath is persistent, it could be a sign of gum disease, dry mouth, or even a hidden infection.
Let’s explore what causes halitosis and what you can do to treat it effectively.
Common Causes of Bad Breath
1. You’re Overdue for a Dental Cleaning
If you haven’t seen your dentist in over 6 months, plaque and tartar can build up — especially under the gums — causing odor. A professional cleaning is often the first and most effective step.
2. You Might Have Gum Disease
Gum disease (also called periodontal disease) is one of the most common causes of chronic bad breath. It causes infection under the gums where your toothbrush and floss can’t reach.
3. Inadequate Oral Hygiene
Are you brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and scraping your tongue? The tongue often harbors odor-causing bacteria — and without regular cleaning, it can make your breath worse.
4. Your Diet
Garlic, onions, and certain spices can cause lingering bad breath. Pro tip: chewing coffee beans may neutralize the smell of garlic more effectively than gum!
5. Infected or Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Partially erupted or infected wisdom teeth can trap food and bacteria, leading to a foul smell in the back of the mouth.
6. Tonsillitis or Acid Reflux
Sometimes the source isn’t in your mouth at all. Tonsil stones, throat infections, or even gastrointestinal issues like acid reflux can contribute to bad breath.
7. Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)
Saliva keeps your mouth clean and your breath fresh. Without enough of it, bacteria thrive. This can happen due to dehydration, medications, or mouth breathing — especially at night.
How to Treat Bad Breath at Home
Here are Dr. Naqvi’s top tips, straight from our hygiene playbook at Atlantis Dental:
- Brush your teeth twice a day with an electric toothbrush
- Floss daily — no skipping!
- Use a tongue scraper every morning
- Replace your toothbrush every 4 weeks
- Use a Waterpik if you have crowns, bridges, or dental implants
- Rinse with hydrogen peroxide-based mouthwash (we recommend Amazon Basics — effective and affordable)
- Brush with baking soda for 7 days to neutralize odor-causing bacteria
- Drink at least 8 glasses of water daily
- Avoid alcohol-based mouthwashes that dry out the mouth
When to See a Dentist for Bad Breath
If your breath still smells bad despite great hygiene, it’s time to get a professional evaluation. You could be dealing with:
- Early gum disease
- Cavities or hidden infections
- Dry mouth due to medication or dehydration
- Poorly positioned wisdom teeth
- Something systemic (we’ll help refer you if needed)
At Atlantis Dental, we look beyond surface-level symptoms and treat the cause — not just the smell.
You Deserve Fresh Breath and Confidence
Our team believes that a clean mouth is a healthy mouth — and a healthy mouth means better confidence, better relationships, and better health overall.
If you’re dealing with bad breath, we’re here to help. Our Framingham dental office welcomes patients from Natick, Ashland, Southborough, Holliston, Marlborough, and surrounding areas.
If you’re ready to restore your smile like Venessa did, call us today for a consultation.
Atlantis Dental | Framingham, MA
(508) 270-5050
www.myAtlantisdental.com
