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6 Aug
Bad breath

Chronic Bad Breath: Is It Gum Infection or Decay?

Clinically Reviewed by Partha Dental Team
Last Modified: 6th August 2025

Everyone has had bad breath at some point. Perhaps after a meal that was quite garlicky or waking up in the morning. But, if your bad breath is a daily issue and awkward in social interactions, it might be best to investigate the cause. Numerous individuals ask themselves: is bad breath a secondary effect of a gum infection or tooth decay?

In this blog post, we will discuss common reasons behind bad breath, how to get rid of it, and simple ways to keep your mouth smelling fresh and feeling healthy.

1. Understanding Bad Breath – It’s Not Just an Odor Problem

Chronic bad breath, or halitosis, might be a sign of some oral illness. It is an indicator that something is wrong and is not only bad hygiene; the odor from the mouth may be due to the accumulation of bacteria, infections of the oral cavity, or in other instances, mouth odors are an indication of a systemic illness.

2. Bad Breath Causes: What is Responsible for The Smell?

Let’s dive into some of the reasons for bad breath, mostly the dental issues.

1. Gum Infection (Gingivitis & Periodontitis)

Gum infection is one of the chief bad breath causes. In case of the accumulation of plaque at the gum line, inflammation occurs (gingivitis that can subsequently become an infection of the gums known as periodontitis). All these conditions lead to pockets that form around teeth that causes dental bacteria which produces gases that create smelly odors.

2. Tooth Decay (Cavities)

Bacteria may be trapped in decayed teeth deep inside  so that bad breath from mouth can be bacterial.

3. Poor Oral Hygiene

Maintain good oral hygiene to have fresh breath.

4. Smoking and Use of Tobacco Products

Smoking and tobacco product usage cause foul breath. They may make foul breath worse and has higher risk of bacteria and gum disease.

5. Dry Mouth

Saliva helps to rinse food particles and bacteria from your mouth. A dry mouth  gives bacteria a place to multiply and can lead to bad breath.

6. Other Health Conditions

At times, foul breath is induced by digestive problem, sinus infection, and respiratory infection, yet usually the source of the bacteria is the mouth.

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3. Mouth Bad Breath vs. Systemic Causes

Most often, 85-90% of cases of halitosis originate in the mouth. It is essential to differentiate between mouth (resulting) bad breath and odor breath deteriorating from systemic sources, such as diabetes, liver or other organ-related complications and acid reflux. A trip to the dentist is the best option regarding looking for origins from the odor of the breath.

4. Bad Breath Treatment – What Options Do You Have?

If you have recurring halitosis, the ideal bad breath treatment starts with a proper diagnosis. We at Partha Dental will assess your oral condition and it may be an infection of the gum, decay, or otherwise. This is the way we typically will treat bad breath:

1. Professional Dental Cleaning

By professional cleaning, plaque and tartar are removed that reduce bacteria and inflammation in gums.

2. Gum Infection Treatment

If the gum disease is detected, scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) is typically needed to remove bacteria that are below gum disease.

3. Cavities addressed

If there are decayed teeth, filling or crowning those revealed teeth will stop bacteria from spreading and remove the stinky material.

4. Your Tongue

For most people, bacteria resides on the surface of the tongue. Brushing or scraping your tongue with a gentle motion makes a huge change in your breath.

5. Solutions to Boost Saliva

If dry mouth is an issue, your dentist can prescribe mouthwashes, suggestions on fluid intake, and/or saliva-stimulating product.

5. How to Get Rid of Bad Breath– Daily Things to Do

Apart from professional treatment, you can implement these daily habits in fighting bad breath:

Brushing and Flossing Twice Daily

Proper oral hygiene is the answer in combating bad breath. Brush all areas of your teeth with care and floss to eliminate food trapped between teeth.

Cleaning Your Tongue

Scrape your tongue using a tongue scraping device or brush your tongue.

Drink enough Water

Drink good amounts of water so it can assist in natural cleansing of your mouth.

Avoid Smelly Foods

Restrict your intake of garlic and onion.

Quit Smoking

Tobacco products induce dryness in the mouth, as well as odor retention that spoils breath.

Use Antibacterial Mouthwash

Use an antibacterial, alcohol-free mouthwash to mouthwash the mouth which will both prevent bad breath from mouth if used correctly and leave the breath fresh afterwards.

6. Home Remedies for Bad Breath: Do They Work?

While professional treatments are largely necessary to cure halitosis, there are a few home remedies for bad breath which will be able to temporarily be relieved of bad breath once symptoms arise:

Green Tea

Green tea is an antioxidant that has deodorizing properties, drinking green tea helps to eliminate odours.

Baking Soda Rinse

Baking soda can help neutralize the pH balance in the mouth and minimize the bacteria causing noticeable odors.

Clove or Fennel Seeds

Chewing clove or fennel seeds immediately after eating can alleviate bad breath by stimulating saliva, and transitory odors.

Salt Water Gargle

It can help you cleans your mouth and eliminates any bacteria.

When to See a Dentist for Bad Breath?

Consult a dentist if:

• Bleeding gums or inflamed gums

• Loose teeth

• Evident decay such as cavities

• Persistent dry mouth

• Any type of oral soreness or pain

Chronic bad breath not only is frustrating, it could be a sign of something more serious such as a gum infection or tooth decay.

The first step in bad breath treatment is to identify the true bad breath causes. Partha Dental offers full-care treatment and state-of-the-art, customized treatments methodologies to revive fresh breath in you. Let bad breath no longer intervene on your confidence! Call us now – 04041420000 to schedule your appointment at Partha Dental today and receive a bad breath solution that suits you.

7. FAQs

1.  How do I get rid of bad breath?

If you want to get rid of bad you have to continue having good dental hygiene and have to go see your dentist regularly.

2.  Can bad breath mean that something serious is occurring in my mouth?

Yes, mouth bad breath may also be associated with some gum infection, decay and abscesses. Persistent or chronic bad breath needs to be evaluated by a licensed dentist.

3.  Do home remedies for bad breath work?

Home treatments for bad breath can provide some relief for a short while, but home treatments of bad breath will not remedy the infection and decay conditions that cause the bad breath. Professional dental treatment will be required in such situations.

4.  How much would treatment for bad breath cost?

Treatment of bad breath is different depending on the cause. A dental cleaning won’t be as expensive but cavities and gum disease will be different. We at Partha Dental provide the options with affordable pricing in your budget.  Read more

Disclaimer:
The prices mentioned in this blog are indicative and may vary based on the severity of the condition, technology used, and materials suggested by the Dentist. They are accurate as of the date of publishing and subject to change as per clinic policy. Third-party or AI-generated estimates may not reflect actual clinic pricing. For accurate costs, please visit your nearest Partha Dental clinic.