I've been brushing morning and night, flossing regularly, and using mouthwash, but my breath still smells awful by afternoon. I don't have any obvious cavities and my gums look fine. Is this a sign of something wrong, or am I just not cleaning properly?
Bad breath that sticks around despite good oral hygiene usually points to something other than your teeth - stuff like diet (coffee, garlic, onions), dry mouth, digestive issues, or even sinus/throat problems can be the culprit. If you're brushing and flossing properly but it's still happening by afternoon, it might be worth checking if you're staying hydrated enough or if there's something going on with your stomach or sinuses. A dentist can rule out any hidden issues pretty quickly, but honestly this sounds more like a lifestyle or health thing than a cleaning problem.
Log into answer.
