Why does my breath smell despite constant brushing?

Question

Why does my breath smell despite constant brushing?

Answer 1

do you brush your tongue too? thats where most of the germs and bacteria hide so brush your tongue as well.

Answer 2

You may have a cavity or have some food stuck down between some teeth, wisdom teeth are famous for this.  There is a possibility that you need a root canal or have some sort of gum problems.  Always remember to brush your gums and tongue as well as your teeth.  Listerine also works great, despite the burn.

Answer 3

Try all the things the people above said, if nothing else works the problem could be the gums (gingivitis).

Answer 4

the tongue is the culprit!

GET a tongue scraper! if u see whitish substance at the back of ur throat, scrape them off.

oh, and cavity may lead to bad breath too.

don't forget to visit the dentist.

Answer 5

Do you floss as well? If not, you should... all the food stuck between your teeth can play a role.

As well, use an anti bacterial mouth wash and brush your tongue and inner cheeks (bacteria love those areas).

You may have needed dental work that needs to be done without being aware of it. Cavities can cause bad breath, as can infections in the mouth.

If its not a dental issue (which you rule out with your dentist), see your doctor as it can be an underlying medical issue.

Answer 6

It depends where you are brushing. Brushing your teeth is not enough to remove bad-breath causing bacteria, since bacteria develops on your cheeks, gums, inbetween your teeth and on your tongue aswell as on your teeth.

I suggest you buy a tongue scraper which you will find are quite cheap but very effective. Alternatively, you can buy a toothbrush with a tongue scraper included. There is such a toothbrush called the Colgate 360°, which is designed for a full mouth clean (you may have seen the advert!). The Colgate 360° looks like this: http://pics.drugstore.com/prodimg/138781... and you will see here that the brush includes a tongue cleaner here: http://www.formfollowsfunction.co.uk/wp-...

The tongue cleaner can also clean gums and cheeks, so your mouth feels really clean and fresh.

I also suggest you buy some dental floss, which looks like this: http://www.junkcreation.com/wp-content/u...

Floss is an effective way to remove bacteria inbetween your teeth and can also prevent cavities from occuring. You must be aware of how to floss properly otherwise you can seriously damage your teeth or gums. It is considered 'normal' for your teeth or gums to bleed the first time you floss, as these areas have never been flossed before and a 'foreign' object is being used. If it is severe bleeding, something has gone wrong and you should see your dentist.

Here is how you should hold the floss in your hand: http://content.revolutionhealth.com/cont...

and here are some instructions on how to floss correctly: http://www.healthatoz.com/healthatoz/Ato...

NEVER use a 'see-saw' motion as this is the incorrect way to floss your teeth.

Answer 7

Ask a dentist. It could be an infection or it could just be genetic. If it is just your breath there are some toothpaste systems that do wonders.

Answer 8

Although brushing will help prevent cavities (so don't stop scrubbing), it can only mask bad breath, since the problem really lies within your throat and tongue, not your teeth. When the bacteria in your mouth lose access to oxygen (which can happen when you use alcohol-based mouthwashes, take certain prescription medications for depression or high blood pressure or simply sit with your mouth shut for a long time), they emit smelly sulfur compounds, says Harold Katz, D.D.S., founder of The California Breath Clinic in Los Angeles; this is the same principle at work with foot odor. Eating garlic and onion also makes your breath stink because they contain - surprise - those same sulfur compounds

Answer 9

Dear get a consultation from your dentist. It can be due to some oral condition or may be with some medical disease. your dentist can help you get clear with oral problem and can refer to a physician if its not dental.

Answer 10

Just to look at this from a different aspect.  Is there any chance that you could be diabetic?  Diabetics produce more ketones than usual so there breath smells a little like nail varnish.  I know this might be unlikely but just so you don't beat yourself up too much about your brushing methods it maybe worth looking into if your breath smells a bit like polish!!

Answer 11

my son has that problem. I took him to the dentist and everything is great.  The dentist sent him to the doctor and he has a sinus infection caused by allergies. now he is on allergy meds daily and the smell is getting better.  Brush at least 2 miniutes, dental floss and brush your cheeks, tongue, and gums.  Go to the doctor and get a check up.

Answer 12

Mouth odor is caused from bacteria...

plague (brush every time after eating)

food lodged between the teeth (floss daily)

the tongue, amino acids produce sulfur compounds that can make your breath smell like dirty socks or rotten eggs (brush your tongue each time you brush your teeth)

tooth decay (have cavities filled)

gum disease (gingivitis) causes bone loss, food lodges where pockets develop, your dentist will do a deep cleaning above the gum line. (use a water pic to dislodge food  where flossing and brushing can't reach)

sinus conditions/post nasal drip (gargle often with antiseptic mouthwash)

antibiotics are needed for a sinus infection

poor digestion, undigested food can ferment in the intestines, the odor escapes up through the mouth, see your doctor. (drink 1 teaspoon baking soda mixed with a glass of water)

Drink plenty of water to lessen mouth bacteria, help digestion and to keep your body hydrated.

I would suggest you go to the dentist and have your teeth cleaned and a thorough exam, if your mouth is ruled out as the source of the odor, make an appointment

with your doctor.

Good luck to you.