Bad breath is not only very unpleasant for you; there’s a good chance that the people around you notice the smell too. Maybe you don’t even realize it yourself, or this problem causes a lot of insecurity. The cause of bad breath is often a gum inflammation or bacteria on the tongue; it is also possible that it points to other health complaints. On this page, we explain more about possible causes, what you can do yourself to prevent bad breath, and when it is wise to pay a visit to the dentist.

What are the symptoms of bad breath?

Many people don’t realize themselves that they have bad breath, which makes the problem even more unpleasant. Still, there are symptoms that indicate your breath may not smell so fresh:

• You have a bad taste in your mouth for a long time.
• Your gums bleed while brushing.
• You suffer from a dry mouth.
• There is a whitish-yellow coating on your tongue.

Causes of bad breath

In more than 90% of cases, we find the cause of bad breath in the mouth, where there are bacteria that produce unpleasant gases. These bacteria are often at the back of the tongue. This part has deep grooves and is rough, so the bacteria have plenty of room to settle in well. They can also be recognized with the naked eye by a whitish-yellow or brown coating, which we also call tongue coating.

However, these bacteria are not only on the tongue, but also in and under inflamed gums. Usually these inflammations are the result of poor oral care. Cavities form between the gums and the teeth, in which food debris and bacteria accumulate. This also happens when a wisdom tooth has partly erupted.

Another cause of bad breath is the use of certain medications, such as antidepressants. This medication causes less saliva production. Saliva clears away the bad bacteria, which is why it is important that there is enough of it.

What to do about bad breath?

Each cause calls for a different approach. If the problem is poor oral hygiene, the easiest solution is to brush, floss, and clean better. Are the bacteria on the tongue the cause? Then the solution lies in removing them. If an abscess or inflammation is the culprit, we advise making an appointment with your dentist for a suitable treatment.

Other solutions for bad breath:

• Go to the dentist for a checkup every six months.
• Brush your teeth at least twice a day.
• Rinse your mouth with mouthwash now and then.
• Go to the dental hygienist if your dentist advises it.
• Drink regularly. That way your mouth doesn’t dry out. Drink water, tea, or other sugar-free drinks in particular.

Remedies for bad breath

If the bad breath is caused by bacteria in the mouth, there are various products and remedies to resolve it. For example, there are special scrapers with which you can easily clean your tongue yourself. There are also special toothpastes, mouth sprays, and rinses that counter the bacteria. Always make sure you buy a good product, though; other products only mask the bad breath with a fresh scent. Are you in doubt about a product? Then ask your dentist.

Resolving bad breath

The options for treating bad breath depend entirely on the cause. Usually the dentist refers you to the dental hygienist, because the main causes are bacteria or inflammation.

The dental hygienist works with you to determine the cause of the problem and makes a plan for a healthy and fresh mouth. Of course, you also get advice on the best way to clean your teeth. If the dental hygienist suspects that the cause of your bad breath lies in a problem in the nasal or throat cavity, you get a referral to an ENT doctor.

When to get in touch?

If you follow the advice above, your complaints should be greatly reduced within a few weeks. Is this not the case? Then make an appointment with the dentist. The cause is then probably tartar or a cavity. The dentist solves the problem by removing your tartar or placing a crown. Treatments are more effective if you discover the complication early, so make an appointment in good time.

Contact iSmile Tandartspraktijk

Would you like advice about your oral health, or are you experiencing complaints? Then feel free to get in touch with iSmile Tandartspraktijk. Call 020 218 42 57, send an email to info@ismile-tandartspraktijk.nl, or make an appointment right away via the buttons below.

About Leena Ibrahim

Leena Ibrahim is the founder of iSmile Tandartspraktijk and has been working as a dentist for more than twenty years. After her training as a Doctor of Dental Surgery at Western University in Canada, she gained four years of experience as a general dentist before settling in the Netherlands. With iSmile Tandartspraktijk, she realized her vision of high-quality dental care in a calm and personal environment.

Leena has a special affinity with anxious patients and is certified to carry out treatments with laughing gas and sedation. In addition, she completed extensive continuing education, including in the field of implantology, so that she can keep offering her patients the best possible care. In her blogs, she shares her knowledge and advice to help you toward healthy and strong teeth.