We’ve all experienced bad breath at some point – whether it’s first thing in the morning or after enjoying a favorite garlicky meal! While it can be embarrassing and make us self-conscious, in most cases, we can avoid bad breath by practicing good oral care. However, bad breath can sometimes be caused by conditions like dry mouth, which aren’t related to poor dental hygiene. The good news is that, no matter the cause, you can take steps to identify and treat dry mouth and bad breath and prevent these issues from recurring.
What Causes Dry Mouth?
Dry mouth, or xerostomia, occurs when there isn’t enough saliva to keep your mouth moist. Besides feeling dry, you might notice your saliva is thick and stringy, things taste different, your throat feels dry and hoarse, and you may have trouble chewing and swallowing. Various factors can lead to dry mouth, including:
- Age. As we age, the risk of dry mouth increases.
- Smoking. Tobacco use can contribute to dry mouth.
- Snoring and Mouth Breathing. These habits can reduce saliva flow.
- Dehydration. Saliva is mostly water, so if you’re dehydrated, saliva production decreases. Dehydration can result from not drinking enough water, illness, vomiting, overexertion, and alcohol use.
- Medications. Dry mouth is a common side effect of many medications, including antihistamines, decongestants, muscle relaxants, pain medications, antidepressants, anxiety medications, and blood pressure medications.
- Respiratory Problems. Illnesses that cause nasal congestion, such as the flu, may force you to breathe through your mouth, leading to temporary dry mouth.
- Medical Conditions. Certain illnesses, like Sjögren’s syndrome, directly affect the salivary glands, while others, like diabetes, stroke, or HIV, can indirectly cause dry mouth.
- Cancer Treatment. Chemotherapy drugs or radiotherapy in the head and neck area can damage salivary glands and cause dry mouth.
Why Does Dry Mouth Cause Bad Breath?
Now that we know what causes dry mouth, you might wonder why it leads to bad breath. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, saliva helps keep the mouth hydrated, washes food particles away from your teeth and gums, and can fight tooth decay. It also helps rinse away oral bacteria, which produce strong-smelling compounds causing bad breath.
Without sufficient saliva, bacteria and food debris build up in the mouth, causing bad breath and increasing the risk of gum disease. Advanced gum disease (periodontitis) creates pockets between the teeth and gums where decomposing food and bacteria can accumulate, resulting in “perio breath.”
How Do You Diagnose Dry Mouth?
Identifying the cause of your dry mouth is crucial for proper treatment. Most dental professionals can quickly determine if it’s related to oral health or something else. If periodontal disease or cavities are diagnosed, your dentist can address these issues. However, if medication or a medical condition is the cause, you may need to see a physician or specialist.
How Is Dry Mouth Treated?
Treating dry mouth typically involves a two-pronged approach. Initially, your doctor or dentist will recommend treatments to manage symptoms like dental sores or bad breath. This may include antibiotics for oral infections. Concurrently, they will investigate the underlying cause, conducting tests for medical conditions or adjusting medications while treating gum disease if necessary.
Preventing Bad Breath and Dry Mouth
Preventing bad breath and dry mouth starts with maintaining a high level of oral hygiene to control bacteria and avoid bad breath and mouth sores. If medication alternatives are limited or you have a medical condition causing xerostomia, ask your Pocatello dentist to recommend products specifically formulated to prevent dry mouth. Additionally, avoid habits such as smoking and reduce alcohol and caffeine intake.
If you’re experiencing bad breath due to dry mouth, whether from medication or a medical condition, several steps can improve the situation. The key is to find the root cause of your dry mouth. Your Pocatello dentist can guide you through this process and help determine the best course of action.
Maintaining overall health and managing stress levels are also essential. Taking care of yourself is the first step toward better oral hygiene and breath. And let’s face it, when our breath is fresh, we feel more confident and comfortable!
