Brushing teeth twice a day still has bad breath, doctor offers solution

Bad breath has long been considered a problem that makes many people shy and lack confidence when communicating.

However, bad breath is not just an unpleasant odor, but can also hide many complex diseases that need attention.

Nitesh Motwani, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon in India, said many patients brush their teeth twice a day but still have bad breath.

If the condition persists, it could be a sign of underlying medical conditions and should be examined early to determine the cause, according to Hindustan Times .

Bad breath is not just an unpleasant odor, but can also be a sign of many complex diseases.

Illustration: AI

Non-dental causes

Bad breath doesn't always originate in the teeth and gums. There are at least four conditions outside the mouth that can cause this condition.

First is chronic sinusitis or pharyngitis. When nasal discharge runs down the throat, tonsil stones or sinusitis form, the breath will emit an unpleasant odor that brushing cannot remove.

The second is gastroesophageal reflux disease. This disorder not only causes acid to back up into the esophagus, but also erodes teeth and causes bad breath.

Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to ketoacidosis, a condition in which the breath has a distinctive fruity odor.

Finally, in rare cases, liver or kidney disease can also be the cause. When liver or kidney function is impaired, the body emits a persistent bad breath odor that mouthwash or lozenges cannot completely mask.

Causes related to teeth

When plaque and tartar build up at the gum line, bacteria produce sulfur compounds that cause bad breath. Daily brushing cannot reach these deep gum pockets, and only a dentist can clean them with specialized tools.

The tongue has a rough surface, especially at the base, where bacteria can easily grow. Food debris and dead cells that accumulate over time will create an unpleasant odor if not cleaned thoroughly.

Dry mouth occurs when saliva production is reduced due to dehydration, stress, medication side effects, or mouth breathing. This creates an environment where odor-causing bacteria thrive.

Odors such as onions, garlic, and coffee remain in the digestive system and blood after consumption, and are released through the breath, even after oral hygiene.

Porcelain teeth, braces or dentures that are not fitted properly will retain food, creating a breeding ground for bacteria. Untreated cavities or loose fillings can also be a source of bad odor.

Solutions to improve bad breath

Dr. Nitesh Motwani emphasizes that bad breath cannot be completely solved by just rinsing the mouth or using lozenges.

First of all, everyone needs to maintain regular dental check-ups to detect and treat problems such as tooth decay, gingivitis or improper restorations early.

Scaling and polishing should be done every 6 months to remove tartar and plaque in places that toothbrushes cannot reach.

In addition, tongue hygiene is also very important. Using a tongue scraper helps remove residue and bacteria that accumulate on the surface of the tongue.

Another habit to pay attention to is drinking enough water. On average, an adult needs from 1,500 to 2,000 ml of water per day to maintain moisture in the oral cavity, support saliva secretion and wash away leftover food.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/danh-rang-2-lan-ngay-van-hoi-mieng-bac-si-dua-ra-giai-phap-185250913151832193.htm