By Dr. Judson Eneas

Question:

Dear Dr. Eneas,

I have suffered very bad breath and it is very embarrassing. My dentist says my teeth and gums are fine and has advised me to try a tongue scraper. Are there other reasons for bad breath?

Answer:

Scraping the tongue is a very good idea as the posterior third of the tongue can grow anaerobic bacteria that can cause an odor. Many stores sell tongue scrapers. You should scrape the back of the tongue after brushing your teeth three times a day. If this doesn't cure your bad breath, I have found that sinus infections frequently will cause bad breath. If your teeth and gums are healthy, I would suggest using a tongue scraper on a regular basis. If the bad breath continues, see your physician and get an X-ray of your sinuses to make sure they are not infected. The sinuses are usually air sacs in your face connected to your nasal passages. If they become blocked by allergy, fluid can build up in the sinuses and cause headaches and bad breath. This can usually be treated with decongestants and antibiotics in most instances.

Sometimes the food you eat may cause your breath to have a particular odor, especially if you eat food that is highly seasoned with garlic. It is not usually a bad odor, but many people are sensitive to the smell of garlic on one's breath which may last for a few days, even with regular brushing and tongue scraping.

However, the most common causes in my experience would be poor dental hygiene, gum disease, bacteria on the tongue and sinus infections.

Judson Eneas, MD

Internal Medicine Specialist

Nephrologist