Do Cavities Cause Bad Breath?

One dental condition occurs more often than any other: a cavity. These little holes in your teeth may not cause symptoms at first but eventually can lead to many problems if left untreated. Fortunately, they are easily treatable with the help of your dentist.

If you have recently noticed that your breath is getting worse, you may have a cavity. Cavities can be a breeding ground for bacteria that emit a bad smell. These bacteria can spread and grow if left untreated, leading to bad breath.

If you believe you have a cavity, it is crucial to visit your dentist so they can effectively treat the problem and resolve your bad breath.

What Are Cavities?

Cavities, also known as tooth decay, are areas on the surface of your teeth that have been damaged and weakened. Bacteria naturally present in your mouth feed on sugars and starches found in foods and drinks like fruits, candy, bread, cereal, sodas, juice, and milk. As they consume these carbohydrates, they produce acids as a byproduct. The combination of bacteria, acid, food particles, and saliva forms a sticky substance known as dental plaque, which coats the surfaces of your teeth, eventually dissolving the enamel and creating small holes.

Various things can increase your risk of developing a cavity:

• Dietary choices: Sugary foods and beverages can contribute to cavity formation.
• Poor oral hygiene: Inadequate brushing and flossing can lead to plaque buildup.
• Lack of fluoride: Insufficient fluoride exposure can increase the risk of cavities.
• Dry mouth: Reduced saliva production due to certain medications or medical conditions can create an environment conducive to cavities.
• Frequent snacking: Snacking throughout the day, especially on sugary or sticky foods, can increase the likelihood of cavities.
• Infrequent dental visits: Delaying or avoiding regular dental check-ups can lead to untreated cavities.
• Medical conditions: Some health conditions, such as acid reflux, can expose teeth to excess acid, possibly contributing to cavity formation.
• Genetics: Genetic factors can influence susceptibility to cavities.
• Lack of education: Not being aware of proper oral care practices can inadvertently lead to cavities.

Can Cavities Cause Bad Breath?

While the cavity itself does not cause bad breath, the 2 are closely linked. As the cavity progresses and deepens, it creates a small pocket or hole where the bacteria can thrive, leading to bacteria buildup in the cavity and bad breath. 

Since the cavity is a literal hole in your tooth, it can trap food particles and traces of liquids, contributing to bacterial buildup. 

Simply put, the cavity itself does not cause bad breath; the bacteria inside it does.

What Happens if You Leave a Cavity?

It can be easy to ignore a cavity—at least at first. Neglecting treatment can have long-lasting consequences much more severe than bad breath. 

Initially, a cavity may not have many noticeable symptoms. However, if left untreated, it can lead to:

• Tooth sensitivity
• Pain
• Discomfort
• Infection

As the bacteria multiply, they cause the cavity to extend further into the tooth. As the hole goes deeper, it can reach the nerve in the centre of the tooth, requiring more invasive and complicated treatment to fix.

Untreated cavities can lead to:

• Gum disease
• Gum recession
• Tooth loss
• Abscesses

In extreme circumstances, the infection can even spread to the jawbone itself, leading to the bone becoming compromised and weakened.

How Are Cavities Treated?

Cavities are fairly easy to treat with the help of an experienced and trained dentist. 

Your dentist will most often fill smaller cavities that have not begun to cause significant damage to the tooth. During a filling, your dentist removes the decayed portion of the tooth and fills the space with a composite material to help restore the tooth’s function while preventing further decay.

What Happens if a Cavity Is Too Deep?

Treating advanced cavities often involves a procedure called a root canal. 

When a cavity becomes deep and reaches the inner pulp of the tooth, it can cause severe pain and infection. A root canal is a dental procedure to save the tooth by removing the infected pulp and cleaning the inner space. After cleaning, the space is sealed to prevent further infection. 

While a “root canal” might sound intimidating, the procedure is usually performed with local anaesthesia to ensure you are comfortable throughout. Root canals are an effective way to relieve pain, eliminate infection, and preserve the natural tooth.

How to Prevent a Cavity

Fortunately, there are several simple ways you can avoid a cavity, including:

• Brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste for at least 2 minutes
• Flossing once a day, making sure you reach all areas between your teeth and surrounding the gumline
• Using antibacterial mouthwash once a day to kill any residual bacteria
• Limiting your intake of sugary foods and drinks

Drinking water after consuming sugary or acidic food and drinks can also be helpful. 

Where to Get Help for a Cavity

Regular visits to your dentist can help prevent cavities and other dental health problems. These experienced professionals can thoroughly examine your oral health and search for any early signs of cavities, allowing them to treat it in the earliest stages.If you need dental services to fix a cavity, book an appointment with our team of trained dentists at South Ancaster Family Dental.