Let’s Talk About Bad Breath
By Dr. Junho Choi
Let’s talk about something no one wants to admit they have—but everyone definitely does. Bad breath (aka halitosis) is something we’ve all had at some point—usually first thing in the morning, when even your dog turns away. But if your breath has been clearing rooms lately, it might be time we had a little chat.
Bad breath isn’t always a hygiene crime. Sometimes it’s your body just being human. Overnight, your saliva takes a nap, bacteria throw a party on your tongue, and by morning, your mouth smells like it’s been on an all-garlic diet.
What Causes It?
Aside from the usual suspects like onions, garlic, and “forgot-to-brush and floss” moments, there are a few sneaky contributors:
- Dry mouth from mouth breathing, meds, or simply not drinking enough water
- Gum disease or cavities hiding bacteria in hard-to-reach places
- Smoking or chewing tobacco, which dries out your mouth and leaves an, um, signature scent
- Dieting, which releases ketones into your breath (aka fat-burning funk)
- And certain medical conditions like sinus infections, diabetes, or GI issues
Sometimes, it’s not what you ate—it’s what’s eating away at your oral hygiene.
Let’s Talk Coffee (Yes, Again)
Like many of you, I need my morning coffee to feel like a functioning human. And if you follow me on Instagram, you already know: my love for coffee runs deep!
But let’s be real. Coffee breath? Not exactly minty fresh.
Here’s how I keep mine in check:
- I brush my teeth and tongue after my second (or third) cup.
- I drink water constantly to rinse away lingering acids and bacteria.
- And I always keep sugar-free gum on hand—a little backup plan for staying fresh between sips.
What Can You Do?
Let’s keep this simple. If you want fresher breath (and friends who like standing near you), try this:
- Brush at least twice a day with toothpaste
- Floss daily (yes, daily, not just before your cleaning)
- Scrub that tongue—bacteria loves the back of it
- Hydrate! Water is your breath’s BFF
- Clean dentures or appliances if you wear them
- Visit me in our Palm Desert Dental Studio! (Or your dentist. But let’s be honest, I’m more fun.)
Oh, and if you’re still puffing away on cigarettes, stop. You deserve better. So does your breath.
Final Thought
If you’re doing all the right things and still have halitosis that could clear a room, it may be time to dig deeper. I’ll help you rule out oral causes and, if needed, get you to the right specialist.
Until then—keep brushing, keep smiling, and remember: your breath says hello before you do. Let’s make sure it’s a nice and fresh hello.
Looking forward to seeing you at the studio,
– Dr. Choi
