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Phase I and II trials have already been conducted into killing the bacteria most often implicated in tooth decay. The substance has been trialled as a gel applied in a clinic and next it will be tested as a varnish, again applied in a clinic, but accompanied by strips which people can take home and apply to their teeth as a follow-up treatment. This opens up the possibility in the future for using similar methods to target the bacteria most often implicated in bad breath.
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Drinking more water throughout the day helps keep the mouth hydrated and washes away bacteria and food particles. Avoiding foods and drinks that contribute to bad breath, such as garlic and coffee, can also help maintain fresh breath.
Acid reflux is caused by an overly relaxed lower esophageal sphincter (LES). It is a muscle that acts as a barrier to the stomach and operates similarly to a valve. When it is working correctly, it will open to allow food to pass through the esophagus into the stomach, but when it is too relaxed or faulty, it will remain open, allowing the contents in the stomach to flow back upwards.
But if you can’t link your bad breath to specific meals, you should suspect other causes.
Certain habits can also cause bad smells in the mouth. In general, these habits include smoking of any kind, smokeless tobacco use and e-cigs/vaping. Smoking cigarettes causes the strongest, most noticeable alteration in your breath. Smoker’s breath has a very distinct odor that does not respond well to home treatments.
If you think there’s an issue in your mouth that’s behind your bad breath, seeing a dental professional for treatment can help you get to the bottom of the problem and improve your oral health and the scent of your breath at the same time.
The benefits of tongue scraping and other oral care practices
Avoiding tobacco and alcohol can also help prevent tonsil stones and bad breath. Both tobacco and alcohol can dry out the mouth, creating an environment that is conducive to bacterial growth.
Tobacco smoking is the most concentrated form of pollution that most people are exposed to. It impairs the ability to identify odors and diminishes the sense of taste. Quitting smoking improves the smell function.
4. Freshening agents: Toothpastes that contain ingredients like baking soda or menthol can help freshen breath and leave your mouth feeling clean and refreshed.
Because more than ninety percent of bad breath originates in the mouth, your dentist is your first line of defense. In many cases, bad breath is simply a symptom of a bigger problem. Seeing your dentist first is important to rule out dangerous dental infections as the cause of the unpleasant odor.
If your bad breath smells like ammonia, it could be a sign that you may have kidney disease. The kidneys filter out and remove waste and toxins – such as urea, which breaks down into ammonia – from the body through urination. Kidneys also regulate blood pressure and control red blood cell production.
You won’t have to miss out on birthdays or social gatherings anymore if you follow these simple tips.
Brush your tongue, cheeks, and the roof of your mouth. Most bad breath bacteria live on the tongue. So brushing or scraping the tongue can make a big difference in your breath.
Including probiotic-rich foods in your diet, such as yogurt and fermented vegetables, can also help promote a healthy balance of bacteria in your mouth. However, it's important to note that more research is needed to fully understand the role of probiotics in preventing bad breath.
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