What Your Chronic Bad Breath May Be Trying to Tell You

Bad breath isn’t a welcome situation for anyone involved. If you’re the one with it, you might feel embarrassed. The people near you probably don’t enjoy it much, either.

Sometimes, the odor in your mouth just means you need to brush your teeth. But if you deal with bad breath day after day, an underlying cause is probably in play. It could be an oral health problem or something bigger like diabetes or an infection. Between that and the social ramifications, chronic bad breath isn’t something you should ignore. 

For help, see Gemini Master-Patel, DMD, and our team at Riverside Dental. At our offices in Yonkers or Thornwood, New York, our family dentistry staff can evaluate your mouth to determine the problem behind your bad breath. 

Common causes of bad breath

Chronic bad breath, or halitosis, could come from a number of different issues, including:

• Improper oral hygiene (i.e., not brushing or flossing enough)
• An oral infection
• Dry mouth (your saliva helps to combat odor-causing bacteria)
• Gum disease allowing plaque to hide under your gum line
• Tobacco use
• Sinus infections trapping bacteria in your nasal cavities
• Infections like tonsillitis or bronchitis
• Acid reflux
• Serious health conditions like diabetes or kidney disease

Because the smell coming from your mouth could be coming from a serious health problem, you shouldn’t ignore it. See our team at Riverside Dental to figure out what’s behind your bad breath.

Finding the right treatment for you

At our office, Dr. Master-Patel starts by evaluating your teeth and gums. She examines your gums for signs of periodontal disease, which can create pockets where bacteria thrive, and checks for any cavities that may be contributing to bad breath. Addressing infections in your mouth is the first step in clearing up bad breath.

If your oral health looks good, Dr. Master-Patel may refer you to another medical professional. If it seems like the issue could be with your sinuses, for example, she may recommend you see an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor. 

If it’s unclear what’s causing your bad breath, it’s typically best to see your primary care provider. They can help you look for health conditions that might be causing this symptom. 

Bad breath isn’t just bothersome. It’s important to find out what’s behind it, because that underlying cause could need treatment. 

Start with an exam at either of our offices. Call the Riverside Dental location nearest you or book your appointment online today.