You get to your office and have the sense that people are avoiding you. A quick check and you get a whiff of a foul breath odor. You brushed your teeth so what could be wrong? There are a number of causes for bad breath and brushing just gets rid of some of them. Here are a few other reasons your breath is not minty-fresh today:

Cavities and Gum Disease Can Cause Odors

You may have a small cavity hidden between your teeth that is contributing to your bad breath. If you notice that your gums are bleeding when you brush, or they are abnormally pale or red, you may have gum disease which can also create bad breath. A trip to your dentist to fix the cavities and for gum disease treatment will help get rid of the odor.

Your Tongue and Mouth Harbor Bacteria

The roof of your mouth, the inside of your lips and your tongue can all have bacteria on them that cause bad breath. Add brushing of these areas to your regular dental hygiene routine. Some people discover that their tongue can become especially coated with a dark mucous. Your dentist can show you how to scrape the surface of your tongue before brushing to remove most of the mucous and bacteria.

Trapped Food Particles Can Be a Problem

If, in spite of being reminded by your dentist and dental hygienist, you are still not flossing, that could be the cause of your bad breath. No amount of brushing can get to food particles between your teeth. Flossing gets between the teeth and dislodges the small food particles. Have your hygienist show you how to a good job of flossing to remove that cause of your bad breath.

Dry Mouth Creates Mouth Odor

Drinking water throughout the day keeps your mouth and lips moist and reduces mouth odor. If you frequently have a problem with a dry mouth, you may have a medical condition called xerostomia. This happens when your salivary glands stop producing as much of the fluid that keeps your mouth moist. See you doctor or dentist if you have a constant problem. Certain medications can be the cause of xerostomia. It can also lead to dental issues if left untreated.

Sinus Problems Cause Bad Breath

If you're prone to swollen sinuses at certain times of the year, as they drain into your mouth and throat, the mucous will cause an odor. Antihistamine tablets will help dry up your sinuses. Nasal sprays can also dry up your sinuses or liquefy the mucous more so it moves out of the throat and down into your stomach.

If none of these tips helps your mouth odor, talk with your dentist. Some people can develop a particular sensitivity to the bacteria that cause mouth odor. Even small amounts create bad breath. Your dentist can prescribe an anti-microbial mouth rinse to kill more of those bacteria. To learn more, contact a professional like Dr. Corinne R. Scalzitti.