Could your bad breath be a sign of something worse?

We’ve all experienced a moment of self-consciousness about our breath, whether it’s after a garlic-heavy meal or first thing in the morning. But what happens when that bad breath isn’t temporary? When mints and mouthwash only mask the problem for a few minutes, it could be a sign of a persistent condition known as halitosis.

While often just a social embarrassment, chronic bad breath can sometimes be your body’s way of signaling a deeper, underlying issue. Understanding the potential causes is the first step toward finding a lasting solution.

The Root of the Problem: Internal vs. External Causes

Halitosis can be triggered by a variety of reasons, which can be divided into two categories: those that originate within the mouth (oral causes) and those that originate elsewhere in the body (extra oral causes). While external factors like smoking or eating particular foods can contribute, the vast majority of persistent bad breath instances (almost 90%) are caused by internal disorders in the mouth.

Common Halitosis Signs and Symptoms Originating in the Mouth

When patient concerns about bad breath arise, the first step is usually to do a comprehensive oral examination.  We then look at the on common causes, these being:

Poor oral health (Gingivitis/Periodontitis): Bacteria in the dental plaque form toxins that irritate the gums. When healthy gingiva become inflamed or infected, they create “pockets” between the teeth which can trap additional bacteria, creating a unique and unpleasant odor.

Cavities and Dental Decay: A cavity is defined as a hole in your tooth where bacteria can flourish.  These areas tend to trap food particles and bacteria, and create decay/ decay leads to bad smell.

Poor Oral Hygiene: Not brushing and flossing enough or properly can lead to lingering food particles that can break down, which odoriferous volatile sulfur compounds.

Coated tongue (the cause of bad breath): The rough surface of your tongue has millions of bacteria on it and can be a major contributor to bad breath.

When the Clues Point Beyond the Mouth

What happens when we discover no cavities or gum disease, and your oral hygiene is excellent? This must be a part of our diagnostic analysis. When we can rule out all possible oral causes of your condition, we are on the right track to reveal that the problem is most likely systemic.

At this point we will recommend that you see a general physician for an exam to rule out possible extra-oral causes which can include:

Gastric Causes: Acid reflux (GERD) or gastrointestinal issues can draw stomach acid and undigested food particles back up the esophagus giving rise to sour or bad breath.

Respiratory and Pulmonary Causes: Problems like sinus, throat, or lung infections can cause halitosis. Conditions like sinusitis, tonsil stones, bronchitis and other lung conditions can produce mucus and bacteria that can produce odour.

Other Systemic Causes: In certain instances, specific breath odours may be a sign of medical conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease or liver ailment.

However, please keep in mind that in some instances bad breath occurs as a result of a combination of oral and extra-oral causes.

Don’t Just Mask the Problem—Solve It

Persistent bad breath is more than just an inconvenience; it’s a valid health signal that shouldn’t be ignored. Covering it up with temporary fixes won’t address the underlying cause.

If you are concerned about halitosis, the first and most important step is a professional dental evaluation. Let our expert team at Thyme Dental help you uncover the source of the problem and guide you toward a solution that brings back your health and your confidence.

Contact Thyme Dental today to book a complete checkup and begin your journey to better health and fresh breath.