Seocho-gu Dental Clinic: If You’re Struggling with Bad Breath, Be Sure to Read This

Shinseong Dental Clinic
Sinsa Station dental clinic that has protected one spot for 30 years with experience and trust
Low-cost, fast, factory-style treatment (X) Definitive treatment and follow-up care for lifelong comfortable teeth (O)
Reliable treatment that combines the 37 years of experience of the father with the latest insights of the son, a Ministry of Health and Welfare-certified double board specialist

Hello, I’m Kim Tae-yoon, chief director of Shinseong Dental Clinic, Seocho-gu Dental Clinic.

Bad breath (halitosis) is a common issue that most people experience at least once in daily life,

and it ranges from temporary odor that appears simply after eating to severe, persistent bad breath that can be stressful.

Bad breath is not caused only by “poor oral care,”

and because it can be related to other physical factors as well,

it is important to find the exact cause and address it.

Today, we will look in detail at the main causes of bad breath, how to prevent it, and the key management methods for maintaining oral health.

Main Causes of Bad Breath

1. Bacterial growth in the mouth

There are about 500 to 700 kinds of bacteria living in the mouth,

and when food debris remains between the teeth or the mouth becomes dry, these bacteria multiply rapidly.

During that process, sulfur compounds are produced, making unpleasant odor more likely.

The surface of the tongue is also a good environment for microorganisms to grow, so tongue hygiene should not be overlooked.

2. Dry mouth (reduced saliva secretion)

Saliva acts as a natural cleaner that washes away bacteria and food debris in the mouth.

When saliva is reduced due to stress, mouth breathing during sleep, or insufficient water intake, the mouth becomes dry,

and bad breath caused by bacterial growth can worsen.

3. Periodontal disease or cavities

When a cavity progresses, food can build up inside the cavity and decay, causing foul odor.

If periodontitis (gum disease) occurs and pus comes out from the inflamed area, a distinctive foul smell can also occur.

Therefore, please note that bad breath may be a sign that your oral condition needs treatment.

4. Systemic diseases (tonsil, gastrointestinal diseases, etc.)

Bad breath can also be caused by various systemic diseases such as tonsil stones, reflux esophagitis, diabetes, chronic gastritis, and liver or kidney disease.

In such cases, the odor differs depending on the disease.

If your breath smells like a so-called “sewer odor” and yellow granules come out, tonsil stones are likely.

If there is a smell like decaying food and sour fluid rises up, the cause may be reflux esophagitis.

If you have diabetes and your blood sugar is not well controlled, ketone substances may be produced in large amounts, and your breath may smell sweet, fruity, or like acetone when you breathe.

A smell like rotten eggs can occur when there is a problem with the liver, and an ammonia smell can occur when there is a problem with the kidneys.

When these odors appear as bad breath, a dental examination along with an internal medicine or other specialized evaluation may be necessary.

5. Smoking, drinking, and certain dietary habits

Smoking leaves tar and nicotine in the mouth and reduces saliva secretion, making bad breath more likely.

Also, after drinking alcohol, the body becomes dehydrated, which worsens dry mouth,

and strongly scented foods such as garlic, onions, and coffee can leave odors for a long time and cause bad breath.

How to Prevent Bad Breath and How to Manage It for Improvement

1. Regular dental checkups

First, it is essential to receive an accurate diagnosis of your oral condition.

At Shinseong Dental Clinic, Seocho-gu Dental Clinic, based on 30 years of accumulated know-how and treatment guided by the latest insights of a double board specialist,

we carefully examine whether there are cavities or gum disease,

and create a customized treatment plan that comprehensively considers the patient’s lifestyle habits and oral structure.

If you receive regular scaling to remove tartar and plaque,

you can effectively reduce the main habitats of bacteria that cause bad breath.

2. Proper toothbrushing and use of a tongue cleaner

Brush gently and thoroughly 1 to 2 times a day, within 3 minutes after meals.

Do not miss the corners of the mouth, including between the teeth and gums and the backs of the teeth.

The tongue also has a very large effect on bad breath.

Using a tongue cleaner to gently remove the surface of the tongue during brushing can greatly improve bad breath.

If the tongue is covered with a thick coating, be sure to use a tongue cleaner to keep it clean.

3. Stay hydrated and keep the mouth moist

When the mouth is dry, bacteria multiply actively and bad breath worsens.

Drinking water frequently to promote saliva secretion and chewing sugar-free gum to increase saliva production can also help.

When there is enough saliva, the effect of washing away substances that cause bad breath is strengthened.

4. Reduce smoking, drinking, and intake of irritating foods

Smoking is a representative cause of a poor oral environment.

If possible, quit smoking, and when drinking alcohol, keep to a moderate amount and make a habit of drinking plenty of water afterward.

Garlic, onions, curry, and similar foods leave strong odors, so brushing your teeth and rinsing your mouth right after eating helps prevent the smell from lingering.

5. Use mouthwash wisely

Using mouthwash can help remove bad breath momentarily,

but products containing alcohol may actually dry out the mouth over the long term and worsen bad breath.

Therefore, choose an alcohol-free product, or use a mouthwash recommended by a dental specialist.

Problems That Can Occur If Bad Breath Is Left Untreated

1. Burden and stress in interpersonal relationships

If bad breath persists, anxiety during conversation increases,

and you may lose confidence because you become concerned about other people’s reactions.

This can have a negative impact on daily life and social life overall.

2. Worsening periodontal disease and oral health

If the periodontitis, cavities, or tongue coating that cause bad breath are left untreated,

overall oral health worsens, and complex treatment may be needed.

3. Worsening of related systemic diseases

If bad breath is related to a systemic disease,

failing to detect and manage that disease early may allow it to progress.

If the cause cannot be found even in a dental examination, it is also important to check other departments such as internal medicine or otolaryngology.

Shinseong Dental Clinic’s Customized Bad Breath Care

Shinseong Dental Clinic, Seocho-gu Dental Clinic, combines rich clinical experience accumulated over 30 years

with the latest insights of a Ministry of Health and Welfare-certified double board specialist to provide systematic and accurate diagnosis and treatment.

For those who are uncomfortable because of bad breath, we recommend the following services.

1. Detailed oral examination

Carefully examine the condition of the gums and teeth, structural problems in the mouth, and tongue coating on the surface of the tongue,

and perform scaling and cavity treatment if necessary.

2. Personalized oral hygiene guidance

Based on the patient’s tooth alignment, gum condition, and eating habits, we provide guidance on proper brushing methods, how to use floss and interdental brushes, how to use a tongue cleaner, and oral probiotics.

3. Support for improving lifestyle habits

We continuously check the everyday habits that must be followed to improve bad breath, such as rinsing with water after meals, drinking enough water, and quitting smoking and drinking less.

Bad breath is a problem deeply connected not only to oral hygiene but also to overall lifestyle habits and physical health.

The important thing is to identify the cause accurately and then carry out the steps needed to solve it one by one.

By having a dental checkup once every 6 months to 1 year, periodontal disease and cavities can be treated early,

and bacteria and food debris should also be thoroughly removed through proper toothbrushing, tongue cleaners, and floss use.

Furthermore, reducing smoking and drinking and managing overall health while drinking enough water will greatly help prevent bad breath.

If bad breath is causing stress in your daily life,

we recommend that you do not stop at self-diagnosis and visit anytime for expert consultation and treatment.

Thank you for reading this long post.

Shinseong Dental Clinic
Inquiries: 02-547-0466
[ Consultation Hours ]​*Mon–Fri: 10:00 - 18:30 *Sat: 09:30 - 13:00 *Closed every Sunday

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