What Does It Mean If You Have Bad Breath After You Floss

You've got your toothpaste, toothbrush, floss, and mouthwash — surely that'll do the trick? Bad breath can be incredibly annoying — not to mention embarrassing — but at least it goes away with a good flossing and brushing session, right? 

Not so. Even though sometimes it might feel like you've tried everything to get rid of your bad breath (and maybe you actually have), it can linger stubbornly, feeling like the most awkward thing on earth. There are a number of potential different causes of bad breath, and if you have bad breath even after flossing, you might be wondering why. Is it a sign of a deeper medical issue or are you simply doing something wrong (via Dental Depot)? Let's find out, and in the process learn how best to banish bad breath once and for all.

So, without further ado, here's what it means when you have bad breath after you floss.

Sometimes, regular flossing and brushing can help to get rid of bad breath. There's a lot of bacteria in our mouths, and they feed particles of food and drink that remain in and around our teeth. When you don't floss and brush on a consistent basis, this bacteria can accumulate and release compounds of sulfur, something that can cause bad breath — particularly in the morning (via Dental Depot).

Alternatively, some medications can cause bad breath, and this is something that flossing won't solve. When these medications get broken down by the body, the chemicals released can have an effect on your breath. Likewise, some medical conditions can cause bad breath. They range from illnesses and conditions that might not be too surprising, like chronic sinus infections and bronchitis, to things like kidney and liver problems (via Web MD). Another potential reason for bad breath even after flossing is dry mouth. This can be a side-effect of some medications, a result of smoking or drinking, or even due to nerve damage, all contributing to bad breath (via Mayo Clinic). 

Even if your bad breath doesn't go away after flossing, there's probably not a serious reason, but if in doubt you may want to play it safe and see your doctor — they may well be able to help you.