What could be causing bad breath even after good hygiene?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have been struggling with bad breath lately, and I have tried everything I could find online to get rid of it, but nothing seems to help. I brush my teeth twice a day, use a tongue scraper, and even rinse with mouthwash, yet the problem persists. I do not have any known health conditions. At first, I thought cavities might be the cause, so I went to the dentist and had them filled, but even after that, my bad breath did not improve. I drink plenty of water and do not have tartar buildup, just a little plaque, but I do not think I have gum disease either.

This is one of my biggest insecurities, and with school starting soon, I feel really ashamed to talk to my friends because of it. For reference, I do not eat foods with strong odors like garlic or onion. I am struggling with this, and I would appreciate any help you can offer.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I completely understand your concerns. Bad breath is not just caused by cavities, that is a common misconception found online. In reality, bad breath is often linked to periodontal disease. Even individuals without obvious gum issues can suffer from periodontal or jawbone-related diseases if the soft tissue surrounding the teeth becomes infected. Since your diet appears to be balanced and you are still experiencing bad breath, there may be other underlying factors contributing to the issue.

Can you tell me if anyone in your family has a history of chronic bad breath? It is important to determine whether there is a genetic link to periodontal disease. If the answer is no, I can provide you with a list of non-surgical measures that you can safely try at home. This way, we can assess whether my suggestions help improve your condition. I am a maxillofacial surgeon, and I would be happy to assist you. Please let me know what you find out.

I hope I have solved your query.

Thank you.