Do You Have Bad Breath? Here’s What Might Be Causing It

Are you struggling with bad breath? Here’s what might be the cause and what you can do to fix it. Contact us to get fresh breath today.

We’ve all had that moment—cupping a hand over the mouth, checking our breath, and wondering, “Is it me?” Bad breath, or halitosis, can be more than just a social inconvenience. It’s often a sign of underlying oral or medical issues, and for many people, it can seriously damage confidence and relationships.

At The Dental Anesthesia Center in St. Louis, we help patients address the root causes of chronic bad breath—often with simple solutions and, when needed, comfortable care options like sedation for those who are nervous about visiting the dentist.

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The Dental Anesthesia Center: Sedation and Sleep Dentistry4.9

Based on 243 reviews

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Lauren E.

Dr Thoms and his team are phenomenal. No question, the absolute best possible option for my child when he needed work done while sleeping (age based). While this option is not inexpensive, this set up of have anesthesiology in-house allowed us to get his mouth healthy when a traditional pediatric dentist could/would not. I am a parent that asks a lot of questions on behalf of my toddler’s care and at no point did I feel judged for this, nor was I rushed during my evaluation process during the consultation. Although the procedure is not one I would like to repeat for my child, my husband and I were both so pleased with how well Dr. Thoms communicated and how he clearly cared for our son’s wellbeing (both physical and emotional during a less than comfortable visit). Cannot recommend the back of house team more highly. My one detraction is the FOH staff (not everyone) were not nearly as pleasant. I would like to communicate that while their day-to-day is very routine for them, being in that office as a parent is very scary for some people in their office and a little bit of kindness goes along way. I do recall, having a very pleasant conversation with Rebecca, but otherwise everyone else was on the apathetic side, in my personal opinion. That said you’ll notice that I still am leaving a five star review because the dental staff really just knocked out of the park, but as a parent I want to encourage you to look past any rudeness you may experience over email or on the phone because Dr. Thom’s is really that excellent.

Response from the owner:Thank you for taking the time to share such thoughtful feedback. We’re grateful to hear that our team provided compassionate, attentive care and took the time to answer your questions throughout the process. We also appreciate your comments regarding your experience with our front office team and will certainly share your feedback. Your kind words mean so much to us!

steven D.

Very nice very convenient for me great people working

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We’re so glad you had a positive experience with our team. We truly appreciate your 5-star review!

Curtis V.

The staff is always compassionate and explain all the steps of the procedure. This office has been a God send for me because otherwise I would have let my teeth fall into further disrepair. I highly recommend this office!!!!!

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words and recommendation! We’re so glad our team could help make your experience feel comfortable and supportive. We truly appreciate your 5-star review!

Cindy R.

Searching for a new dental clinic is challenging for someone who has dental anxiety, fear, and traumatic experiences in a dental chair. The staff and doctors at the Dental Anesthesia Center were immediately very welcoming. Dr. Thoms put together a very detailed plan to repair and replace the previous work that I had in the past that was now causing problems. Putting my faith in him was the best thing that I could have done for my situation. I am more than completely satisfied with all of the extensive dental work that I’ve had with Dr.Thoms. I had my fourth sleep dentistry experience yesterday and I’m very happy with my results. I highly recommend this practice and truly want to give them more than five stars! Thank you for giving me back my health and confidence. I adding to this post because of my visit today with the best dental hygienist Delaina and my exam with Dr. Biehl. I have truly never been to such a caring and supportive dental group. Everyone is always conscientious of my needs and knows that I have issues with anxiety. I am always calm when I am sitting in the chair because of their kindness. I am so pleased with the Dental anesthesia center. There needs to be more than five stars. Thank you, everyone.

Response from the owner:We know it isn’t always easy to find a dental office where you feel at ease, so your words mean the world to us. We’re so glad you feel comfortable with our team and truly appreciate your trust and recommendation!

Patricia R.

I am unusually tense about my appointments. However, from the moment I checked in I relaxed. The staff was welcoming and assuring, and helped me to relax completely. Dr. Hofmann is superb. He is by far the best dentist and dental surgeon I have ever ever experienced.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We’re so glad our team helped create a welcoming and comforting experience. We appreciate you sharing your feedback!

What Exactly Is Halitosis?

Halitosis is persistent bad breath that doesn’t go away with brushing, mouthwash, or mints. While almost everyone experiences temporary bad breath (especially in the morning or after garlic-heavy meals), chronic halitosis typically signals a deeper issue.

Common Causes of Bad Breath

1. Poor Oral Hygiene

• The most common culprit. When food particles and bacteria build up around the teeth, tongue, and gums, they release foul-smelling compounds.
• If you skip flossing, you’re leaving about 35% of your tooth surface uncleaned.

2. Gum Disease

• Gingivitis and periodontitis harbor anaerobic bacteria that produce sulfur compounds—the “rotten egg” smell.
• Bleeding gums can also create an environment where bacteria thrive.

3. Dry Mouth

• Saliva helps cleanse the mouth and neutralize acids. A dry mouth allows bacteria to grow unchecked.
• Common in people taking medications, those who mouth-breathe, or anyone with salivary gland issues.

4. Dietary Triggers

• Garlic, onions, coffee, and alcohol are known offenders.
• High-protein, low-carb diets can also create ketone breath—a strong, chemical smell.

5. Smoking or Tobacco Use

• Tobacco products leave a distinctive odor and dry out the mouth, increasing bacteria.
• Smokers are also more likely to have gum disease, compounding the problem.

6. Tonsil Stones

• Small, calcified deposits that form in the tonsils and trap bacteria and debris.
• Often produce a strong, foul odor when disturbed.

7. Underlying Medical Conditions

• Bad breath may indicate:
  • Sinus infections
  • Acid reflux (GERD)
  • Diabetes (sweet or fruity breath)
  • Liver or kidney issues

If you’ve ruled out oral causes and still have persistent bad breath, it’s worth consulting a physician.

How Is Bad Breath Diagnosed?

At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we conduct a comprehensive evaluation that may include:

• Review of medical and dental history
• Examination of gums, teeth, and tongue
• Measuring pocket depths to assess for gum disease
• Identifying signs of dry mouth or oral infections

For patients who feel anxious or embarrassed about this discussion, we offer sedation options to make your visit as stress-free as possible.

How to Get Rid of Bad Breath

1. Upgrade Your Daily Hygiene Routine

• Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
• Floss daily to remove hidden food particles
• Don’t forget to brush your tongue—a major source of odor-causing bacteria

2. Stay Hydrated

• Drink water regularly to stimulate saliva
• Avoid sugary or acidic beverages that contribute to dry mouth

3. Quit Tobacco

• One of the most powerful ways to improve both your breath and overall health

4. Use Antimicrobial Mouth Rinses

• Look for rinses that kill bacteria, not just mask odor
• Avoid alcohol-based rinses if dry mouth is an issue

5. Treat Gum Disease

• Professional cleanings
• Scaling and root planing (deep cleaning)
• Ongoing periodontal maintenance

6. Address Dental Issues

• Repair cavities or cracked fillings
• Remove impacted food or treat infections

Too Anxious to See the Dentist? We Can Help.

If the fear of judgment or pain is keeping you from getting help for bad breath or gum disease, you’re not alone. Many of our patients come to us after years of dental avoidance, and we offer:

• Oral sedation for mild anxiety
• IV sedation for deeper relaxation
• General anesthesia for complex cases or special needs care

You don’t have to live with the discomfort—or the embarrassment—any longer.

Let’s Get to the Bottom of Your Bad Breath

If your bad breath isn’t going away, it’s time to stop masking it and start treating it. We’ll help you figure out what’s causing it—and create a customized plan to eliminate it, comfortably and compassionately.

Located in St. Louis, The Dental Anesthesia Center is here to help you feel fresh, healthy, and confident again.

Call us at (314) 862-7844 or schedule a consultation online today.