By Dr. Keerthi Sudireddy
Persistent bad breath is common, embarrassing, and almost always fixable. The key is finding the real cause rather than masking it with mints.
Bad breath is most often caused by bacteria on the tongue and between the teeth, gum disease, or a dry mouth. The lasting cure is good daily cleaning (including the tongue), treating any gum disease or decay, staying hydrated, and a professional cleaning. If breath stays bad despite good hygiene, see a dentist to rule out an underlying cause.
The main causes
- Bacteria on the tongue and trapped food particles release odour.
- Gum disease and tooth decay create persistent smell.
- Dry mouth from low water intake, mouth-breathing or medication.
- Smoking and strong foods like garlic and onion.
How to cure it for good
- Brush twice daily and clean between teeth every day.
- Gently clean your tongue with a scraper or brush.
- Drink plenty of water to keep saliva flowing.
- Get a professional scaling to remove tartar and treat gum disease.
- Quit tobacco and limit very strong-smelling foods.
When to see a dentist
If bad breath continues despite good hygiene, it may signal gum disease, an infected tooth or another issue worth checking. A check-up finds and fixes the source.
Book a cleaning and assessment at The Tooth Studio in Kukatpally.
Have a question about your smile?
Book a consultation with Dr. Keerthi Sudireddy, or get free guidance on WhatsApp.