Cavities and bad breath are common, but did you know that they could be connected? We have all probably experienced at least one cavity in our lifetime, but bad breath is a more common occurrence caused by a variety of factors. While bad breath is not always the cause of foul breath, there are some signs that you could have a cavity, especially if your bad breath lingers after oral hygiene. This blog will explore how a cavity can affect your breath, other causes of bad breath, and how to remedy both of these oral issues. 

How A Cavity Causes Bad Breath

Even if you stay on top of your oral hygiene and dental visits, your mouth still harbors bacteria, especially after eating, drinking, or smoking/vaping. Some of the bacteria in the mouth can be helpful, but others that are left to sit on your tooth enamel are what cause cavities. 

If you were to scrape your teeth and smell it, there will most likely be an odor. This bacterial growth is what causes bad breath, not necessarily the cavity itself. Patients who are developing a cavity and experiencing foul odors often describe the smell as sulfur. Even if you have the cavity filled and treated by a dental professional, the bacteria may linger in your mouth, resulting in persistent bad breath. Taking note of the smell, if you are also experiencing sensitivity or other symptoms, is important to determine the root cause of bad breath.

Other Causes Of Bad Breath

There are various reasons someone experiences bad breath or different mouth smells. Before you head to the dentist for a filling, there are some other causes of bad breath that you could solve at home. Here are some other reasons that you could be experiencing bad breath. 

• Dry mouth: One of the most common causes of odors in the mouth is the lack of saliva. Moisture is responsible for removing bacteria and buildup from the teeth, so when you experience dry mouth, this process is interrupted. Increasing your hydration or speaking to your dentist about medication can help improve your saliva production and reduce bad breath.
• Smoking: The chemicals in cigarettes or other tobacco products can linger in your mouth for many days. This habit also causes contaminants that lead to tooth decay to constantly live in your mouth, leaving you with foul breath, dry mouth, and decaying teeth.
• Certain foods: Your bad breath may be completely normal and easy to remedy, especially if you have eaten something strong or smelly. Garlic, certain cheeses, or acidic foods can cause temporary bad breath, which is really only noticeable by those having a face-to-face conversation with you. 
• Lack of oral care: Another common cause of bad breath is neglecting your oral hygiene. A lack of brushing, flossing, and mouthwash can lead to lingering food smells or a buildup of bacteria that could lead to cavities over time. Brushing your teeth morning and night is the best way to limit bad breath.

Remedy The Cavity And Bad Breath

If your bad breath is caused by a cavity, remedying the cavity will save your tooth and help you avoid embarrassment over your breath. An untreated cavity can lead to further tooth decay or gum disease, which may also increase how strong the odor from your mouth is as well. Removing all decay quickly is the best way to reduce the symptoms of bad breath and help you feel more confident in social settings. 

Other Prevention Techniques

Preventing the growth of bacteria in your mouth is the best way to limit bad breath. If you want to reduce your risk of cavities and foul mouth odors, there are other prevention techniques you should adopt. 

Staying on top of your oral hygiene routines is the best way to keep your mouth fresh. Getting a professional teeth cleaning every 6 months, brushing twice a day, using mouth rinse, and flossing after meals can keep your breath fresh and bacteria to a minimum.

Staying hydrated is another way to keep your bad breath under control. Drinking water is important for your overall health, but especially for your oral health, as it helps to remove food particles and bacteria, and improves your saliva production. Increasing your water intake, especially after meals, will improve your breath.

Services From Jenson Dental

Whether you need a regular dental cleaning or a cosmetic dentistry service, our team at Jenson Dental is here to help. As the top-rated family dentist in Brigham City, we take pride in providing quality services and customer service to those in our community. Choose our award-winning team for veneers, dental cleanings, or full mouth restoration to improve your confidence and oral health with ease. Schedule your appointment to get started today!