Bacteria that reside between the teeth can also cause breath odor. Most commonly this occurs in people with gingivitis or periodontal disease. To see if you have odor causing bacteria between the teeth do the floss check. Floss a few teeth at a time. Then, smell the floss. If you detect a bad odor, see your dentist.
FYI: Bad breath caused from periodontal/gum disease can be one of the worst smelling breath odors. In fact, it has a particular odor that we call "perio breath."
How can you tell if you have bad breath associated with gum disease?
- See your dentist! Only your dentist can determine if you have gum disease. We can treat the infection and give you recommendations for treating any breath problems associated with it.
- There could also be other problems creating bad breath from between the teeth such as tooth decay or trapped food. Only your dentist can pinpoint for sure the source of your breath odor.
Keep in mind, it's possible to have gum disease and not have any symptoms such as bad breath. That's why visiting your dentist regulary is important so problems can be caught early.
Posted by: Robyn, RDH in Halitosis, Bad Breath on
Aug 08, 2008
There is a simple way to determine if you have bad breath that is originating from bacteria on your tongue. Now, be ware, this method is accurate but may seem a little odd to some. In fact, we got an email from someone who thought using a tongue scraper sounded gross so if you share that thought don't read any further! Here are the steps:
- Take a plastic spoon and gently scrape the surface of your tongue from back to front. This will collect a small amount of tongue debris on the inside surface of the spoon.
- Now, smell the spoon. Is there an odor? If so, I'm sorry to say, that is the odor everyone smells when you're up close and personal.
- If there's no odor, have a very close friend or family member smell the spoon. You may be use to the smell and can't detect the odor.
- If another person can't detect an odor, congratulations you have fresh breath!
FYI: Bacteria in the tongue or mouth is the most common cause of bad breath. Bacteria produce Volatile Sulfur Compounds, which are what cause the bad breath odor.
Other common causes of bad breath include:
1. Garlic, onions and other strong smelling foods - If this is the source of your bad breath, try brushing your teeth and flossing after eating the offending food. Also, try CloSYS Mouth Rinse. CloSYS is quite effective at eliminating odors caused by food.
2. Periodontal/gum disease - If you have periodontal disease, chances are you have bad breath. Treating your gum infection is the first step in eliminating your bad breath. Long term, PerioProtect offers a great treatment for gum disease and keeping your breath fresher. CloSYS can also be helpful for controlling bacteria levels and bad breath caused by gum disease.
3. Post Nasal Drip - Unfortunately, breath odor caused by postnasal drip is difficult to overcome unless the nasal drainage can be stopped. The most effective treatment for this, besides controlling the drainage, is gargling and swishing with CloSYS on a regular basis (being careful not to swallow any). Also be sure to keep up with brushing your tongue and flossing.
4. Smoking- Unless you plan on quitting, there's no cure for a smoker's breath. You can use Xylitol gum and mints frequently to freshen your breath.
5. Systemic medical problems - From diabetes to liver failure, there are a number of systemic conditions that can lead to bad breath. If you suspect your bad breath could be caused by a medical condition, please contact our office or your physician so the cause can be determined.
If you feel you have breath odor, please bring it up at your next dental visit and we'll make suggestions to help you freshen your breath. No matter the cause, there are treatments or recommendations that we can provide.
Want fresher breath? Try these simple steps to help improve your breath.
- Brush your tongue or use a tongue scraper - The majority of breath odor originates from bacteria in the grooves on your tongue. By brushing your tongue or using a tongue scraper, you can reduce the amount of bacteria on your tongue.
- Try Closys Mouth Rinse - Closys doesn't try to "cover up" bad breath like most other mouth rinses. Instead, it neutralizes the bacteria byproducts that cause bad breath. Plus, it kills bacteria that can lead to gingivitis/gum disease. Closys is available at our office as well as most drug stores, Target and Wal-Mart.
- Use 100% Xylitol Mints or Gum daily - Xylitol is a natural sugar substitute that is suitable for diabetics. It freshens breath, stimulates saliva and helps prevent tooth decay. Make sure your gum/mints contain 100% Xylitol for the most benefit. 100% Xylitol gums and mints can be found at our office, health food stores and Whole Foods.
