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Ask Dr. James Jacobs

The Battle Against Bad Breath

Q: What can I do to get rid of my bad breath? I've tried everything, from scrubbing my tongue to brushing and flossing regularly. I chew gum and it doesn't help! Do you have any other tips?
— Gilda, Florida

Bad breath, or halitosis, forms either in your mouth, which is where your digestive system starts, or farther along in your digestive tract — perhaps from acid reflux or the types of foods you eat.

Acid reflux occurs when partially digested food or digestive enzymes from your stomach come up into your esophagus, possibly burning the back of your throat. If you eat late at night and then go to sleep, or if you have a lot of alcohol, caffeine, or spicy, acidic foods, you're at risk for acid reflux. The bad breath is caused by the partially digested food.

Also, it's very common for people with poor dental hygiene to have a lot of bacterial plaque in their mouths. Bacterial plaque mixes with little bits of food and lingers in the mouth, potentially causing pocketing between teeth and gums, bone loss, and bad odor. One of the first signs that you need to clean your teeth more thoroughly is gums that bleed when you brush. If you are not brushing twice a day and flossing once a day, you are susceptible to bad breath. In addition, periodontal disease can cause bone destruction, gum destruction, and bad odor.

It is critical that you see your dentist and have him or her take a full set of X-rays and perform a thorough examination to make sure that you have no underlying periodontal disease, root canal problems, or cavities or decay in your mouth — all of which can cause bad breath.

Learn more in the Everyday Health Dental Health Center.

Last Updated: 05/26/2010
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