Yes, cavities can cause bad breath. It occurs when the surface of the tooth is destroys by bacteria present in the oral cavity. The bacteria along with sugars and foods waste produces acid that causes cavities and tooth decay in the long run.
Cavity is a defect in enamel or dentin resulting from pathological process of dental caries (breach in the continuity of the surface integrity of tooth). Tooth decay is due to infections of certain bacteria which use sugar present in food to convert to acids. Overtime, these acids can make cavities in the teeth.
Bad breath is caused by bacteria present in the mouth. This bacteria break down food particles producing a byproduct, a volatile sulphur compound, which emit a smell similar to rotten eggs. Bacteria need oxygen free environments that are difficult to reach such as around pockets, grooves in the tongue, back of the tongue, etc. These bacteria can cause tooth decay and gum diseases so consult a dentist and use an anti-cavity mouthwash to kill the bad breath.
The cavity causes tiny cracks where food get logged and start to rot in the already decayed tooth as the food particles cannot be removed by ordinary brushing. In a broken tooth, the fouls odor can be due to food residues fermenting somewhere inside the cavity or the cavity has reach the tooth nerves and tissues that are decaying and producing the foul odor. The tooth color is also affected and turns to black color. Tooth decay can be prevention with proper oral hygiene.
The worst part is we cannot identify bad breath on our own. Though it may sound gross, smelling your own floss and identifying a blood stain in the floss can rule out foul odors in the mouth. Just like human bacteria excrete waste and 90% of the bad breath originates from the mouth. Various other reasons also causes bad breath like digestive problems, metabolic diseases, smoking, and eating strong-smelling foods like garlic, etc.
Bad breath due to cavities is not the end of the world. Below are few measures to enjoy a fresh breath despite a caries tooth.
Obstruction of saliva – Saliva is an important medium in preventing bad breath as it cleanses and wash away bacteria in the oral cavity. If less saliva is present the bacteria cannot be cleanse properly as the mouth becomes dry and creates a good environment for bad breath. Saliva flushes away food particles and prevents bacteria, which is one of the main causes of bad breath.
But the cavities hamper saliva from reaching the food particles in between the teeth and cause the food particles to rot thereby causing bad breath in the mouth. However, flossing can help enhance the saliva flow. Use of right mouthwash can make teeth and gums healthy. It also prevents dental cavity that are not already affected.
Weak dental fillings – With time dental fillings get weak and are prone to bacterial infection. The bacterial infections mostly started at the edge of the fillings and may reach inside of the filling with no time thereby getting a cavity and bad breath due to tooth decay.
With time cavities get deeper, bigger and more painful, if left untreated can reach pulp causing infections like abscess. It can also spread to adjacent teeth or surrounding structures and increase bad breath. So, visit a dentist for the regular dental check up.
Fluoride Toothpaste: fluoride being the main ingredient prevents cavities before they occur. It strengthens all the weak areas of the teeth and helps fight against cavities.
Fluoride Mouthwash: The fluoride mouthwash is effective in cavity prevention and helps in keeping the teeth and mouth healthy. It is suitable for all ages and kids who are above six years. It will penetrate between the teeth and will give teeth the protection they need.
The key to fighting against tooth decay and bad breath is maintaining proper oral hygiene, proper brushing and flossing twice daily alone with use of proper mouthwash for additional protection.
It is recommended to visit a dentist every 6 months for regular dental check up. Never postpone a dental visit or extend the dental appointments as too much time between dental visits can make things worse. It will only aggravate the problems like gum and tooth decay leading to cavities and bad breath. Cavities harbor bacteria from food waste and lead to bad breath. Besides, it also causes pain from decayed teeth and affects oral health in the long run. This makes it essential to visit a dentist for regular checkups and have any cavities filled.
So, in case if you are looking for an effective and quality treatment with affordable cost and long lasting results to any of the dental problems visit Dr. Sachdeva’s Dental Institute, one of the best dental clinic in Delhi. We at Dr. Sachdeva’s Dental Institute provide highest of standards of services with extensive knowledge of dentistry, by Dr. Rajat Sachdeva, leading the team of well qualified professionals has been running one of the best dental clinic in Delhi for the past 15 years. A one stops solution for all dental related problems with top services at low and affordable cost. Do visit and feels the difference.
