“Can bad breath be caused by dental issues?”

Mouth odor can definitely be caused by dental issues. Sulfur compounds seem to be the culprit. Gum disease, cavities, infected teeth can cause mouth odor. The fact that your mouth is
warm and moist allows bacteria to grow. Since we eat and drink at regular times, sulfur compounds are forming continuously. Make an appointment with a dentist. If you have any mouth issues, they can be identified quickly. There are medical issues that also can cause mouth odor. Identifying the problem and having it treated is important to you. The fact that you are aware of this problem makes it more important for you resolve it.

Yes, all your mouth. You need to do your brushing and flossing twice daily and get a good teeth cleaning.

Halitosis can have many causes, but dental or periodontal disease are the leading cause. Best consult your dentist about it.

The simple answer is your bad breath may be caused by dental issues including tooth decay and gum disease. There may be other issues that can cause bad breath which includes nasal and sinus issues as well as pharyneal problems and gastrointestinal issues. The bottom line is that you should make an appointment with your dentist to check this out.

Yours truly, 

Scott M. Dubowsky, DMD

Yes. Bad breath can be caused my issues with you gums and/or teeth. Periodontal disease and root canal infection are two examples of dental issues that can cause bad breath.

Yes, bad breath or halitosis can be caused by dental problems. Typically, it is a result of gum disease. However, there are other dental problems that can cause bad breath. Some of those problems include infected teeth, big cavities, trapped food debris, etc. There are also medical conditions of the stomach that can cause bad breath. I recommend you see a dentist and a physician for an evaluation.

Tooth decay and gum disease are the two most common problems associate with bad breath. Dry mouth and acid reflux can also cause it.

Warmest regards,

Joseph J. Lee, DDS

Bad breath or halitosis can be caused by a variety of issues. I actually find the most frequent problem is tooth decay. It can be caused by a post nasal drip by a sinus infection by Gerd and periodontal disease and infections. I would recommend trying some baking soda to neutralize any odors in the mouth you can gargle with 1 teaspoon and some water. Also a thorough dental check up would be in order. Many patients may have a Acidic or low pH which can lead to bad bacteria causing bad breath

Best Regards,
Dr. Mark Berkowitz

Assistance from your dentist will help solve your question. There is a long list of possible causes. Here are some to consider:

-Large tonsils with crypts.
-Sinus problems.
-Plaque between the teeth that needs to be flossed away. (Scrub up and down with floss on each in between surface without harming the gum. Think of scrubbing a dirty plate.)
-Calculus (tarter) on the teeth that needs to be cleaned off. (It can be under the gum and not visible to you.)
-Dental decay. (It can be in an area you cannot see.)
-An infected (abscessed) tooth with or without pain.
-A gum pocket between the teeth collecting and holding debris.
-A gum pocket behind the back tooth where a wisdom tooth is impacted.
-Debris imbedded in the roughness of the top tongue surface. Yes, your tongue needs to be brushed.
-A general disease producing odors that are escaping though your lungs.

The list could go on. You will find the cause easier with professional help as many of these cannot be determined by you. If no cause can be found, a mouth rinse containing chlorine dioxide may help.
Good luck as you work on figuring this out.

Bad breath can be caused by numerous different things. Biologically it is a sulphur release that causes the odor. But some of the sources may be a post nasal drip, a dental infection in either the gums OR the teeth, remnants of various foods, or even medication induced odors. Sometimes there is a plaque layer that develops and grows on the tongue. It may not be easy to determine the true source in your particular case, but try to eliminate the ones mentioned first. If unsuccessful, visit the dentist to eliminate any growing bacteria or infection somewhere in you mouth. By the way, some people subscribe to brushing your tongue exactly for this reason!