Top 6 Unexpected Causes of Bad Breath

Do you still feel that you have bad breath even after proper brushing, gargling or flossing? There may be other reasons causing it which you might not know.

Things can totally get embarrassing when somebody discreetly whispers to you about your less-than-pleasant mouth fumes. What’s more embarrassing is if this happens during important events – work presentations, job interviews, your first date – you name it.

But I’ve brushed my teeth and gargled, you protest to yourself, why do I still have bad breath? Eighty percent of all cases of bad breath come from oral sources (like gingivitis, dental carries, trapped food particles wedge between teeth, cracked fillings and the like). The other 20% however, is caused by other factors not related to your mouth and teeth. Here are some of the most surprising factors that may cause bad breath for you:

#1 Mouthwash issues

young woman shows off her teeth while holding a bottle of mouthwash

Sometimes the culprit to your bad breath can be the mouthwash that you’re using. While you may feel its minty fresh effects right after you gargle, a few moments later the freshness is gone and dry mouth is what you have left, and dryness can spell problems with your breath. When it comes to choosing the right mouthwash, look for a mouthwash that contains little to no alcohol in order to keep your mouth from drying out and your breath from becoming stale.

#2 Colds and medication

If you are experiencing a cold, keep those tissues and some gum handy. Runny noses prevent you from directly inhaling through your nose, so you’re forced to keep your mouth open. Your mouth dries out and bacteria swoop in to invade your mouth, leading you to experience bad breath. This is the general rule: The drier your mouth is, the more bacteria can multiply, and the worse your breath becomes. You should also keep an eye out if you’re taking in meds, because some medicines can cause your mouth to dry up and lessen saliva production.

Colds, allergies and sinus problems can also cause post nasal drip, which means that some mucous or nasal fluid may run from the back of your throat, which may harbor bacterial growth which can manifest in bad breath as well.

#3 Skipping your breakfast

English breakfast with fried eggs

Make more time for breakfast on your daily routine. Going on an empty stomach after fasting throughout the night can cause your stomach acid to rise up, creating a rather pungent smell. This type of bad breath does not go away with brushing and rinsing. If you are in a rush to work, you can take a piece of fruit or apple. It does not matter what you eat (or how little you eat) as long as you put something inside your tummy.

#4 Breathing with your mouth

Some people like to breathe with their mouths, and some might not notice that they’re doing it at all. Breathing through your mouth causes it to dry as well.

#5 Diet Matters

young woman with a green measuring tape covering the mouth

Many people seeking to lose usually tend to reduce their intake of carbohydrates. They skip on pasta, bread, rice and the like. However, lowering the amount of carbs in your diet may also lead to bad breath. When your body processes a high amount of protein, it produces plenty of ammonia, which is dispelled through your breath. Frequent processing of ammonia and production of ketones lead your breath to smell rotten and disgusting.

#6 Alcohol

Yep, you heard it right. Your nightcap (or party drinks) may cause bad breath, too. This is because alcohol dries the mouth, making it a wonderful place for bacteria to thrive in.

Just when you think that bad breath can only be caused by gingivitis or forgetting to brush your teeth or gargling mouth wash, you eventually find out that there are actually surprising causes. Do not let these catch you off guard!

What you can do

Floss, brush, gargle on a regular basis, and take time to see your dentist at least twice a year, and do these following things to help your mouth smell good. If there are other underlying factors, then you should not just rely on flossing, brushing and gargling alone. Try to see if you have any of these unexpected causes. Do you drink alcohol? Do you usually breathe with an open mouth? Are you suffering from allergic rhinitis? Ask yourself these questions, and you might just get yourself some answers. When you do, you can then take the necessary measures to address whatever problem that you may have.

Do you experience bouts of bad breath from time to time? What do you think causes it? 

About the author

Justine R

On an eternal quest for happiness, Justine tries to lead a positive lifestyle by giving back to the universe and following natural approaches to parenting, health, food and beauty. When she's not on the beach, she keeps herself fit (and sane) by running and doing yoga.

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  • Keeping quiet for long can also cause bad breath. In such state the mouth is closed for extended periods with liitle or no air entering it or passing out.