Locations:
SearchAdvertisement
The short answer from a registered dental hygienist
A: Bad breath can have various causes, including diet, gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) and poor oral hygiene.
Advertisement
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
While GERD is a health issue associated with breath problems, you should see your doctor if you suspect it’s the cause for your bad breath.
More often, improvements in oral hygiene can solve bad breath issues. Your best bet is to floss once a day, brush two to three times a day for two to three minutes and rinse with a bacterial-fighting rinse. If you wear dentures, keep in mind that food trapped under a poor-fitting denture can cause bad breath, as well as not removing and cleaning the denture on a daily basis.
Remember: Breath mints are only a cover-up if there is a real problem. Most of the time, bad breath is a hygiene problem and you can take steps to improve it.
— Registered dental hygienist, Tenika Patterson.
Advertisement
Learn more about our editorial process.
Advertisement
Chronic and extreme bad breath could signal a health issue that needs attention
The Short Answer from a dentist
This tool is an add-on to your regular brushing and flossing habits, not a replacement for them
Your toothbrush can’t reach the area where your teeth meet your gum line
Flossing first might be a tad more beneficial, but it’s most important that you DO brush and floss
How oral hygiene and cardiac health go hand-in-hand
What you need to know if your doctor prescribes a topical mouthwash
Most recommended precautions center around minimizing bruising or swelling
Keeping a sleep diary and seeing a sleep specialist can help you stay asleep and get the ZZZs you need
Keeping a sleep diary and seeing a sleep specialist can help you stay asleep and get the ZZZs you need
Hormone changes can definitely leave you tossing and turning at night, but help is available
