Does tooth decay cause bad breath? Bad breath is caused by some things. Knowing which what the culprit is for bad breath can help you get rid of it more effectively. Since there are different reasons why bad breath happens, this article will list down some of the possible reasons why. The article will answer the question – does tooth decay cause bad breath – and more about the problem itself.

Does Tooth Decay Cause Bad Breath?

So, does tooth decay cause bad breath? Yes, it does. Tooth decay is caused by bacteria that eats through the enamel and dentin of a tooth. This same bacteria can cause bad breath. If you let the tooth decay turn into cavities, then it’s just going to get worse from there.

Of course, there are other reasons why bad breath happens in the first place. Just because you have tooth decay doesn’t mean that it’s the sole reason for your foul oral odor. You may be troubled with other issues that cause the same problem.

Related: More Steps on Getting Rid of Bad Breath

Other Causes For Bad Breath

• Gum Disease – like tooth decay, gum disease is a gradual process that causes bad breath. The worse it gets, the worse your breath is going to be. Sure, you can brush your teeth or rinse with mouthwash, but unless the problem is treated, then you’re going to have to live with a constant odor in your mouth.
• Impacted Wisdom Tooth – an impacted wisdom tooth can cause you to have bad breath. How? Unregulated saliva that stays within the crevice of the erupted gums become foul and emit a bad odor. Sometimes, bits of food can get stuck which makes your breath worse. Also, you may start to experience a different taste within that area of your mouth.
• Bad Dental Work – the most prominent example of this is a dental crown. A dental crown is placed on top of your tooth to serve as a replacement. If the crown was improperly put in its place, then bits of food can still get into it. This causes bad breath that’s quite difficult to get rid of. If this does happen to you, then make sure that you visit your dentist.

How To Fight Bad Breath

• Brush Regularly – this should be common knowledge by now. The buildup of plaque causes bad breath, and if you wish to prevent that from happening, then you need to brush your teeth at least twice a day; once in the morning and once before you go to bed at night.
• Floss and Use Mouthwash – flossing helps remove food stuck between teeth that can cause bad breath and mouthwash quells the bacteria that causes bad breath. You should only floss at least once a day and use mouthwash after you brush your teeth.
• Hydrate – a dry mouth causes bad breath. You can combat this by drinking water regularly. Hydrating also helps fight tooth decay which is a plus.

How To Prevent Tooth Decay

Since tooth decay gives you bad breath, it’s essential that you take the right steps to combat it. Some of the methods to do this are the same as the ones you need to fight bad breath. However, there are still a few methods you can try at home.

• Cut Back on Sugar – sugar causes cavities, and you know it. This means that anything packed with sugar will significantly increase the chance of you getting tooth decay. You can try and fight this by limiting your daily sugar intake. Practicing this method can go a long way if you want to prevent tooth decay.
• A Healthier Diet – cutting back on sugar and increasing your fruit and vegetable diet will also help a lot. Certain fruits and vegetables have a lot of nutrients that strengthen your teeth which makes them more resistant towards tooth decay. Apples, for example, are a natural scrub that aids the removable plaque buildup on your teeth.
• Oil Pulling – oil pulling has been a method practiced by some people around the globe for decades. It uses the detoxifying effect of certain oils to quell tooth decay. To do this, put a tablespoon of liquified coconut oil in your mouth and swish it around for 20 minutes. Spit it out afterward and rinse with warm water. Do this every morning just before you brush your teeth.

Conclusion

If you are struggling with tooth decay or bad breath, then make sure that you visit your dentist. Visiting your dentist can grant you some benefits. One of these would be the info you need to make the right decisions for your oral health.