Bad Breath Treatment in Surrey, BC
If your breath stays unpleasant even after brushing and using mouthwash, the cause is often in the mouth: plaque and tartar buildup, gum disease, cavities, bacteria on the tongue or dry mouth. A dental exam can help find the cause so it can be treated, instead of just covered up. The Dental Group at Central City evaluates persistent bad breath (halitosis) for patients of all ages at our office inside Central City Shopping Centre in Surrey, BC.
Quick facts
| What we do | Examine your teeth, gums and mouth for dental causes of persistent bad breath, and treat or manage what we find |
| Who it’s for | Children, teens and adults |
| New patients | Welcome. Walk-ins accepted during office hours |
| Hours | Mon–Tue 9 AM–5 PM · Wed–Thu 9 AM–8 PM · Fri 9 AM–6 PM · Sat 9 AM–5 PM · Sun 11 AM–4 PM |
| Location | Unit 1117, 10153 King George Blvd., Surrey, BC V3T 2W1, inside Central City Shopping Centre, next to the Passport Office |
| Phone | (604) 585-2345 |
| Coverage | Most dental plans accepted. |
Book a new patient exam · Call (604) 585-2345
What is halitosis?
Halitosis is the clinical term for persistent or recurring bad breath. Everyone has temporary bad breath at times, for example after garlic, onions or coffee, or after a long time without eating or drinking. Waking up with “morning breath” is also common. Halitosis is different: the odor keeps coming back or doesn’t go away with normal brushing.
Why does my breath still smell after brushing?
Brushing alone can miss the places where odor-causing bacteria collect:
- Between the teeth
- Along the gumline
- Around fillings, crowns, bridges and other restorations
- The back of the tongue
An underlying problem such as gum disease, a cavity or an infection can also be the cause. Mints, gum and mouthwash can only hide odor for a short time; they don’t fix the source.
Common causes of bad breath
| Cause | Possible signs | What can help |
|---|---|---|
| Plaque and tartar buildup | Fuzzy or sticky teeth, visible tartar | Professional cleaning and better home care |
| Gum disease | Red, swollen or bleeding gums, bad taste, receding gums | Exam and a gum-care plan; see exam & cleaning |
| Tooth decay (cavities) | Sensitivity, visible holes, food trapping | Dental filling or other treatment |
| Bacteria on the tongue | White or yellow coating, especially at the back | Daily tongue cleaning; your dentist can show you how |
| Dry mouth | Sticky or dry feeling, thick saliva | Identify the cause (medications, mouth breathing, dehydration) and manage it |
| Infected or damaged tooth | Toothache, swelling, bad taste, pain when chewing | Urgent evaluation; may need root canal treatment |
| Dirty dentures, retainers or appliances | Odor that follows the appliance | Cleaning instructions from your dentist |
| Foods, drinks and tobacco | Odor after eating, drinking, smoking or vaping | Reduce triggers; temporary odor from food is not the same as halitosis |
Some medical conditions, sinus or throat problems, and certain medications can also cause bad breath. If your dentist finds no dental cause, they may suggest you see your doctor.
Can an infected tooth cause bad breath?
Yes. An infected or badly damaged tooth can cause a bad taste or odor, often with toothache, sensitivity, swelling or pain when chewing. If you have severe tooth pain or swelling, don’t wait. See dental emergencies or call us at (604) 585-2345.
If you have facial swelling with fever, or trouble breathing or swallowing, go to the nearest hospital emergency department or call 911.
What can a dentist do about bad breath?
There is no single treatment. The plan depends on the cause.
- Review. We ask when the odor started, what makes it better or worse, your medications, dry mouth, diet, tobacco use and daily care.
- Examination. We check your teeth, gums, fillings and other restorations, tartar buildup, signs of decay and possible sources of infection. X-rays may be taken when appropriate.
- Treatment of what we find. This may include a professional cleaning, a gum-care plan, treatment of cavities or infected teeth, advice on brushing, flossing and tongue cleaning, and help managing dry mouth.
- Follow-up. We tell you how to maintain results and when to return. If we find no dental cause, we’ll suggest next steps.
How to prevent bad breath
- Brush twice a day, paying attention to all surfaces and the gumline.
- Clean between your teeth daily with floss or another interdental cleaner.
- Clean your tongue gently with a toothbrush or tongue scraper.
- Drink water regularly to keep your mouth moist.
- Limit frequent sugary snacks and drinks, which raise the risk of cavities.
- Clean dentures, retainers and other appliances as your dentist instructs, and remove removable dentures at night unless told otherwise.
- Don’t smoke or vape.
- Keep regular dental visits. See exams and cleanings.
When should you see a dentist?
Book an exam if:
- Bad breath continues despite good oral hygiene
- You often have a bad taste in your mouth
- Your gums bleed regularly, or are swollen or tender
- You have dry mouth that doesn’t go away
- You have a cavity, damaged tooth or recurring toothache
- You notice swelling around a tooth
- Bad breath suddenly becomes much worse
Persistent bad breath does not always mean a serious problem, but an exam is the way to find out.
Bad breath in children
Children can have bad breath too. It can come from food, poor brushing, plaque, cavities or gum problems. If a child’s bad breath doesn’t go away, see children’s dentistry.
Dentures and dental appliances
Dentures, retainers and other removable appliances can collect bacteria and food if not cleaned properly. Follow your dentist’s cleaning instructions and mention any lasting odor at your visit. See also dentures.
Related services
Hygiene care · Exam & cleaning · Dental fillings · Root canal treatment · Dental emergencies · Night guards · All dental services
Frequently asked questions
Why does my breath smell even though I brush every day?
Brushing may miss the tongue, gumline and spaces between teeth, where bacteria collect. A cavity, gum disease or infection can also be the cause. A dental exam can find out.
Do mouthwash, mints or gum fix bad breath?
They can hide odor for a short time but don’t treat the cause. If bad breath keeps returning, get it checked.
Can gum disease cause bad breath?
Yes. Bacteria linked to gum inflammation can cause odor. Other signs include red, swollen or bleeding gums and a bad taste.
Can cavities cause bad breath?
Yes. Food and bacteria can collect in a decayed tooth and cause odor or a bad taste.
Can dry mouth cause bad breath?
Yes. Saliva helps clean the mouth. When there is less of it, bacteria and food particles build up more easily. Mention dry mouth at your appointment.
Should I clean my tongue?
Gently cleaning the tongue, especially toward the back, can help reduce bacteria for many people. Ask your dentist or hygienist to show you.
Can bad breath be a sign of something other than a dental problem?
Sometimes. Sinus or throat problems, certain medications and some medical conditions can contribute. If we find no dental cause, we’ll suggest next steps, which may include seeing your doctor.
Are you accepting new patients?
Yes. We welcome new patients and accept walk-ins during office hours. You can also book online or call (604) 585-2345.
Book a bad breath evaluation in Surrey
New patient exam · Call (604) 585-2345
Unit 1117, 10153 King George Blvd., Surrey, BC V3T 2W1, inside Central City Shopping Centre, next to the Passport Office.