Causes Of Bad Breath Other Than Needing Your Teeth Cleaned

Inflamed gums and tooth decay also produce odor.  Foods that contain oils, like onions and garlic, can cause bad breath.  After these foods are digested and the pungent oils are absorbed into the bloodstream, they're carried to the lungs and are given off while breathing until the foods are eliminated from the body.  Dry mouth, decreased salivary production, occurs during sleep and causes morning breath.  Mouth breathing does the same thing.   

Some medications can cause diminished salivary flow.  Nasal discharge in the back of the throat, from sinus or respiratory infection, is another source of bad breath.  Certain illnesses, some cancers and metabolic disorders can produce chemicals that cause distinctive breath odors.  If you have concerns, see your prosthodontist for an examination and consultation.

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309