Both cavities and gum disease are bacterial infections of the oral tissues. Tooth decay is a bacterial infection of the hard tissues of a tooth, and gum disease is an infection of the hard and soft tissues surrounding a tooth (also called periodontal disease). Both of these conditions consist of the reproduction and proliferation of specific disease-causing bacteria, and they stink.
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Crooks!I went in for a 6 month cleaning and check up. None of my teeth bothered me.Turns out this must be the... absolute best dentist ever, because he has to re-do everything any other dentist has ever done to my teeth because they did it wrong. $8,000... Keep in mind none of my teeth are even hurting, everything is fine. They wanted me to pay $8,000 to get all my dental work, which was fine, replaced. I think somebody wants a new boat.I made it very clear I just wanted what my insurance would cover for the check-up. They went ahead and took digital photos, and are now trying to bill me for the photos, and sending it to collections. After I had told them specifically to not do anything my insurance didn't cover.read more
The Impact of Medications on Your Breath
Smoking is not only harmful to overall health but also contributes to bad breath from the throat. The chemicals in cigarettes can dry out the mouth, reducing saliva production and creating an environment for bacteria to thrive. Additionally, smoking can leave a lingering odor on the breath that is difficult to mask.
Even if food isn’t naturally smelly, it can become smelly if it’s left in your mouth too long. If you’re not cleaning your mouth well enough, food residue can rot in your mouth, causing very bad breath. This is particularly common for people who don’t floss and have residue stuck between their teeth.
Manual tonsil stone removal at home is generally not recommended. Tonsils are delicate tissues, and removing them on your own may cause bleeding and infection. Salt-water gargle: This may help dislodge tonsil stones and get rid of the odor and bad breath they cause. Coughing: Tonsil stones are often coughed up inadvertently. In some cases, a hard cough may help dislodge them. Oral irrigation: Oral irrigators can sometimes be used to gently shoot water into the back of the mouth in an attempt to dislodge the tonsil stones. Follow instructions and use caution because it is possible to injure the tonsils if it is not done gently. Tonsil stones may dislodge or dissolve on their own in a short time. Tonsil stones may last for weeks if bacteria continue to grow on the tonsils due to tonsil stones deep in the throat. If tonsil stones are ignored and left in place without lifestyle changes, they may last for years. The only surefire way to cure tonsil stones and prevent any recurrence is to have the tonsils removed (tonsillectomy). Maintain good oral hygiene: Brush and floss regularly; consider using a tongue scraper to remove bacteria. Gargle regularly with mouthwash or saltwater solution. Drink plenty of water. Quit smoking. Avoid excess alcohol. Reduce consumption of carbonated beverages such as sodas. Treat sinus infections or allergy symptoms promptly. Limit dairy products. American Academy of Otolaryngology. Tonsils and Adenoids. 2019. October 2019. Busaba, Nicholas and Shira Doron. Tonsillectomy in adults: Indications. Sept. 24, 2019. October 2019.
Why Flossing is Crucial for Oral Health and Fresh Breath
There are a few health conditions outside the mouth that can contribute to bad breath. Because dental problems are far more likely to be the culprit, we always rule them out first. If your dentist rules out any dental problems as the source of your bad breath, you then likely need to look outside the mouth.
A dentist will also examine your mouth for any signs of gum disease or other oral health issues that may be causing bad breath. They may recommend additional treatments or procedures to address these issues and improve your breath odor.
The most obvious symptom of halitosis is persistent bad breath that does not go away even after brushing or using mouthwash. Other symptoms may include a sour taste in the mouth or a white coating on the tongue.
Your diet can play a significant role in preventing bad breath. Certain foods and drinks can contribute to bad breath, while others can help freshen your breath. Here are some foods and drinks to be aware of:
If your dentist determines that your mouth is healthy and that the odor is not oral in nature, you may be referred to your family physician or to a specialist to determine the cause of the odor and possible treatment. If the odor is due to gum disease, your dentist can either treat the disease or refer you to a periodontist, a specialist in treating gum tissues. Gum disease can cause gum tissues to pull away from the teeth and form pockets. When these pockets are deep, only a professional periodontal cleaning can remove the bacteria and plaque that accumulate. Abscessed Tooth An abscessed tooth is a pocket of pus, usually caused by some kind of infection and the spread of... Halitosis - Bad Breath Causes and Characteristics Halitosis, or bad breath affects an estimated 65% of Americans. Over... Bulimia Nervosa And Oral Health People with eating disorders can suffer from oral health problems as well. This is... Is A Canker Sore A Cold Sore? People sometimes confuse canker sores and cold sores, but they are completely unrelated.... Tooth Decay And Cavities What Is Tooth Decay? Tooth decay is caused by a variety of things; in medical terms, cavities... Toothache And Toothache Causes Simple toothaches can often be relieved by rinsing the mouth to clear it of debris and... Diabetes And Your Dentist People living with diabetes are vulnerable to a host of systemic problems in their entire... Dry Mouth Causes And Treatments Saliva is one of your body's natural defenses against plaque because it acts to rinse... Fluorosis Condition and Causes Fluorosis is a condition in which your body has been exposed to too much fluoride. In... Gum Disease - Gingivitis Gingivitis is the medical term for early gum disease, or periodontal disease. In general, gum... What Causes Wisdom Teeth Issues And Why Would They Need To Be Removed? Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of... Do You Have A Cut Or Laceration To Your Mouth? Any kind of cut to your face and the delicate soft tissues inside your... Oral Cancer Warnings and Prevention Oral cancer is one of the most common cancers today and has one of the lowest... Plaque On Teeth Plaque is a film of bacteria that forms on your teeth and gums after eating foods that produce acids.... Sensitive Teeth And Tooth Sensitivity If you wince with pain after sipping a hot cup of coffee or chewing a piece of... Teeth Grinding - Bruxism Teeth grinding, also called bruxism, is often viewed as a harmless, though annoying, habit.... TMJ And Jaw Disorders People who grind their teeth can sometimes develop a serious problem with their jaw, which left... Missing Teeth and New Teeth Implants Fixed bridges and implants are often used to replace missing teeth and to correct... Chipped or cracked a tooth? Special thin laminates, called veneers, can often be used to correct discolored, worn... Gum Lifts For Excessive Or Uneven Gums Many people inherit the problem of excessive or uneven gums. An aesthetic...
Products specifically for dry mouth like Biotene, can be used to help prevent bad breath in these cases.
Halitosis can often be the result of tooth decay and gum disease. Gingivitis and periodontal disease can create cavities or pockets around the gums, giving bacteria a place to hide and multiply. This bacteria can produce foul-smelling breath which short-term freshening methods only mask.
Other symptoms of tonsil stones may include sore throat, difficulty swallowing, ear pain, and a persistent cough. Some people may also experience a sensation of something stuck in the back of their throat.
Dry Mouth: A Common Culprit of Chronic Bad Breath