Can Dehydration Cause Bad Breath? Causes, Fixes & Tips
Bad breath is one of the most common conditions that affect the mouth of many individuals. Though foods, bad habits such as smoking and vaping, and poor dental hygiene have been known to cause bad breath, there is one cause that people tend to ignore — dehydration.
A lack of fluid in the body causes less production of saliva in your mouth. Then, the mouth dries up, creating an environment that favors bacterial growth, resulting in halitosis.
In this blog, we will be discussing why saliva is essential for good oral hygiene, the relation of dehydration with bad breath, and how one can prevent bad breath.
📑 Table of Contents
How Does Dehydration Cause Bad Breath?
The Role of Saliva
Saliva is involved in several physiological processes and acts as an important component of tooth protection. According to the Cleveland Clinic, saliva works in such a way that it keeps the mouth and throat moist, thus preventing food residue and bacteria from forming.
Moreover, saliva helps protect your teeth by preventing enamel weakening caused by the continuous loss of minerals, also known as demineralization. It can also support the healing of tissues inside your mouth. Basically, your saliva is an important part of your everyday oral health.
How Does Dehydration Cause Bad Breath?
Drink plenty of water is what doctors usually say when addressing problems related to dehydration, such as dry mouth and bad breath. But the question is, why?
According to a review published in BDJ Team, saliva is made up of 99% water. Adults normally produce saliva throughout the day, but when saliva flow becomes too low, it can lead to dry mouth and affect the mouth’s ability to naturally clear away bacteria and food debris.
A lack of saliva makes the self-cleaning function of the mouth difficult, making it more possible for halitosis to form. As the bacteria continue to accumulate, they release chemicals that cause bad odor, contributing to a smelly breath.
Other Factors That Can Make Dehydration-Related Bad Breath Worse
Dehydration might exacerbate bad breath, but it is not the only potential reason. Some of them may include:
- Poor oral hygiene – Bacteria, food particles, and plaque accumulate due to the lack of good oral hygiene practices causing breath that smells unpleasant.
- Sleeping while breathing through the mouth – Breathing through the mouth when asleep dries up the mouth and reduces saliva production, hence leading to halitosis.
- Excessive intake of caffeine and alcohol – Caffeine and alcohol can cause dehydration and hence result in the development of lingering bad breath.
- Not eating for long hours or fasting – Avoiding foods for long hours causes low saliva production, hence resulting in smelly breath.
- Usage of dental devices without proper cleaning – Failure to clean night guards, retainers, and dentures may harbor food and bacteria that cause bad breath.
Did you know that bad breath can vary depending on its cause? Check out this article next: Bad Breath Explained: Causes, Symptoms & Quick Fixes
How to Prevent Bad Breath Caused by Dehydration
There are several ways to address a smelly breath due to dehydration, such as:
- Drinking enough water everyday. According to Mayo Clinic, one should drink about 2.7L to 3.7L of fluids a day to stay properly hydrated. Drink more in case your lifestyle is extremely active.
- Limit drinks that dry out the mouth, such as coffee and alcohol.
- Improve saliva production of the mouth by chewing on helpful foods such as gum, citrus fruits, and those high in fiber.
- Maintain proper oral hygiene as reduced saliva can affect bacterial growth.
- Clean dental appliances regularly as they can become a place where bacteria build up.
A dirty night guard can contribute to worsening bad breath. Why? Find out here: 5 Signs Your Mouthguard Is Causing Bad Breath — and How to Fix It
Keep Your Smile Fresh with ClearClub
While making sure that you stay hydrated and have enough saliva to help protect your teeth from bacteria, you can also add a Cleaning + Whitening Foam to your oral hygiene routine.
Our foam helps reduce bacteria while whitening your teeth, making it a good option for those with sensitive teeth. It is safe to swallow and can be used overnight.
Keep your breath fresh with our foam today.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Why does my breath smell worse when I wake up?
Bad breath in the morning is often caused by reduced saliva flow during sleep. Since your mouth produces less saliva overnight, bacteria can multiply more easily and create unpleasant odors.
❓ Does dry mouth always mean I am dehydrated?
Not always. Dry mouth can also be caused by medications, mouth breathing, stress, or certain health conditions. If dry mouth continues even when you drink enough fluids, it may be worth discussing with a dental professional.
❓ Can a dirty night guard worsen bad breath?
Yes. A dirty dental guard can make your existing bad breath even worse because it can become a breeding ground for odor-causing bacteria. Wearing it again without cleaning it properly can contribute to unpleasant odors.
Looking for something else? Check our full FAQs section.