(From Your Pennsauken Family Dentist)
Why Bad Breath Matters
Like crooked teeth, bad breath (halitosis) can be embarrassing and damaging to self-esteem. But it’s more than a social inconvenience—it can also signal underlying oral or medical problems. Breath mints may mask the smell temporarily, but they don’t solve the cause.
At Rapha Dental, we help Pennsauken patients understand the causes of bad breath and provide effective treatments to restore confidence and oral health.
What Causes Bad Breath?
Halitosis has two main sources:
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Oral causes – Issues inside the mouth.
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Medical causes – Conditions in other parts of the body.
Let’s start with oral factors that contribute to bad breath.
Poor Oral Hygiene
The most common cause of halitosis is plaque and bacteria buildup. Daily brushing and flossing remove food particles that would otherwise decompose and produce odor. Without consistent care, tartar forms, causing tooth decay and gum disease.
Solutions:
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Brush for at least two minutes after meals, including the tongue and back teeth.
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Use antibacterial toothpaste if recommended.
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Floss daily to remove trapped food between teeth.
Skip Dental Cleanings
Even with good home care, some areas are hard to reach. Plaque hardens into tartar, especially around the molars and gumline. Regular professional cleanings remove buildup and prevent odors.
Solution: Visit your dentist or hygienist at least twice a year for checkups and cleanings.
Dentures or Appliances
Dentures, retainers, and braces can trap bacteria and food particles. Without proper cleaning, they quickly become odor-causing.
Solution:
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Clean appliances daily with a soft brush.
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Use cleansing tablets (like Retainer Brite) to disinfect overnight.
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Rinse appliances after meals.
Diet Choices
Foods like garlic, onions, and spices can cause lingering odors that travel from your bloodstream to your breath.
Solution: Reduce these foods if fresh breath is a concern, especially before social or professional events.
Gum Disease
When plaque builds up under the gums, it can lead to periodontitis, a severe gum infection. This produces pus-filled pockets and foul-smelling bacteria.
Solution: Gum disease requires professional treatment. Your dentist may recommend deep cleaning or referral to a periodontist.
Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)
Saliva helps wash away bacteria. Without enough saliva, bacteria multiply and odors intensify.
Solution: Drink plenty of water, chew sugar-free gum, and discuss persistent dry mouth with your dentist.
Other Causes Beyond the Mouth
Sometimes halitosis comes from conditions outside the mouth, including:
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Diabetes
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Respiratory infections (sinus, bronchitis, pneumonia)
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Gastrointestinal disorders
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Kidney or liver disease
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Postnasal drip
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Tobacco use (chewing or smoking)
In these cases, a medical evaluation is essential to find the underlying cause.
Can Dental Implants Cause Bad Breath?
Yes, if an implant develops peri-implantitis—a gum or bone infection around the implant. This often results from poor cleaning, low-quality implant materials, or untreated gum disease.
Warning signs include:
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Persistent bad taste or odor
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Gum bleeding during brushing
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Pus near the implant
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Gum recession around the implant
If you notice these symptoms, contact your dentist immediately. Antibacterial rinses may help, but professional treatment is required to stop the infection.
Treating Bad Breath in Pennsauken
At Rapha Dental, we specialize in diagnosing and treating the causes of halitosis. Whether it’s gum disease, an oral infection, or appliance care, we’ll create a treatment plan that restores your oral health and confidence.
Why Choose Us?
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Conveniently located near Pennsauken on Route 130
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Gentle and thorough cleanings
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Preventive and cosmetic dentistry under one roof
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Evening and weekend availability
Take the First Step Toward Fresh Breath
Bad breath doesn’t have to control your life. With proper care and the help of your Pennsauken family dentist, you can enjoy fresher breath, healthier gums, and greater confidence.
Call Rapha Dental at (856) 829-8668 or schedule an appointment online. Let us help you breathe easy again.