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7 Surprising Things Causing Your Dragon Breath

Headshot of Cassie Shortsleeve for WomensHealthMag.comby Cassie Shortsleeve for WomensHealthMag.com
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Bad breath is like a broken taillight on your car: You don't know it's there until someone embarrassingly points it out. And both require fast action. The problem: Chewing gum usually just masks the scent of a smelly mouth. You have to find the culprit—which is sometimes easier said than done. Gingivitis (aka gum disease) is a common cause, says Tina Giannacopoulos, a dentist at Boston Dental. (If you have it, you'll likely notice bleeding and inflamed or receding gums.) That's not the issue? Don't overlook these 7 other possible reasons why you have stinky breath.

This article was originally published by our partners at WomensHealthMag.com.

You're taking certain drugs.

Prescription meds
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"Medications for high blood pressure, antidepressants, and antihistamines can have side effects of xerostomia or dry mouth," says Giannacopoulos. "This can lead to bad breath, as saliva is necessary to wash away food particles from the oral cavity." You see, saliva keeps your mouth moist, neutralizes acids, and washes away dead cells that build up (ew, but necessary). A lack of it means food particles, cells, and bacteria accumulate and stink up the joint. If you're on a med that's drying you out, drink tons of water and chew gum with xylitol in it, which can help add moisture, Giannacopoulos says.

MORE: How To Tell Your S.O. He's Got Dragon Breath

You're hungry.

Hungry
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So busy you skipped lunch? Well, thanks to that lovely lack of saliva that can come about from a dearth of food, you may pay for your oversight with foul-smelling breath (and getting seriously hangry).

You've got a mouth infection.

Mouth infection
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Mouth infections mean loads of bacteria, which—when they decompose—can release odors of sulfur, says Giannacopoulos. If you think you could have an infection like pericoronitis, which is inflammation of the soft tissue around the crown of a tooth, it's time to clean up your oral hygiene habits and see your dentist.

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You're brushing and flossing all wrong.

Dental floss
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Truth: Most of us are brushing and flossing completely incorrectly—and this causes food particles to build up, says Giannacopoulos. "Trapped food particles accelerate the growth of bacteria and cause inflammation, leading to bad breath," she says. A quick brush-up on brushing: "Hold the brush horizontally against your teeth and tilt it at a 45-degree angle," says Giannacopoulos. "Move the toothbrush in short horizontal strokes." You should do this twice a day for 2 minutes each time. As for flossing? "Gentle and thorough are key words," says Giannacopoulos. The floss should go slightly under your gum line and hug each tooth. "Brushing alone misses almost half of the tooth surfaces, so flossing is also a must," she says.

You neglect your tongue.

Tongue scraper
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Your pearly whites aren't the only things that need brushing. Bacteria thrives all over your mouth, especially on your tongue, says Giannacopoulos. So pick up a tongue scraper at your local pharmacy and use it every time you clean your teeth, she suggests. Just remember to be careful—you don't need much pressure.

MORE: The Right Way To Clean Your Tongue—And How Often You Should Do It

You haven't had your wisdom teeth removed.

Wisdom teeth
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Holding on to your wisdom teeth? These teeth and the operculum—the piece of gum over wisdom teeth that are growing in—can trap food and bacteria and become infected, which can contribute to stinky breath, says Giannacopoulos. It's best to ask your dentist if you need yours out. And if you have an infection, you could need antibiotics.

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You have a cavity.

Cavity
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Here's a good case for keeping a date with your dentist every 6 months: "Sometimes untreated cavities can cause sensitivity and pain; however, sometimes they can go unnoticed," says Giannacopoulos. And if you have one, you might give off some stink. "Bacteria essentially eat away at tooth structure and release odors," she says. So stay up to date on your cleanings—clinical dental exams and x-rays can ID cavities.

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