The medical condition dry mouth (also called xerostomia) also can cause bad breath. Saliva is necessary to moisten the mouth, neutralize acids produced by plaque, and wash away dead cells that build up on the tongue, gums, and cheeks. If not removed, these cells decompose and can cause bad breath. Dry mouth may be a side effect of various medications, salivary gland problems, or continuous breathing through the mouth. In fact, morning breath is worse for people who sleep with their mouths open.
If the odor is due to gum disease, for example, your dentist can either treat the disease or refer you to a periodontist, a dentist who specializes in treating gum conditions.
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Since food and bacteria that get caught in the folds cause tonsil stones, tonsilloliths most commonly grow in the crevices where your tonsils and adenoids meet your throat.
Mouthwash and Halitosis: How to Choose the Right Product
Everyone knows how embarrassing bad breath can be. It can even cause anxiety because you can’t always tell what other people are noticing. There are countless products out there aimed at fixing the problem. Gum, mints, mouthwash, and other products can be found in any store. Approximately 30% of the population complains of some sort of bad breath. But what causes bad breath, and how can you avoid it? Most problems can be solved by keeping your mouth and teeth clean is a simple solution. However, sometimes bad breath is an indication of a more serious health condition, and you’ll need to talk to one of the doctors at Scott Edwards DDS.
When this happens, you’ll likely experience heartburn or a bitter and unpleasant taste in your mouth, which can cause bad breath. However, all of the symptoms of acid reflux can be controlled and managed by making a few lifestyle changes.
Breath tests can help determine the presence and severity of halitosis. These tests measure the levels of volatile sulfur compounds in the breath, which can indicate the presence of tonsil stones or other causes of bad breath.
Some essential oils such as lemongrass, myrrh, cinnamon, and tea tree oil contain anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antibacterial properties that make them excellent for preventing and treating tonsil stones.
Even more concerning to us, as dentists, are the potential health implications of chronic bad breath. Persistent bad breath that does not respond to home care may be the result of a serious health problem. Your bad breath could be a warning sign that you have a dental infection or other medical condition.
There are several natural remedies that can help combat bad breath. Chewing on herbs such as parsley, mint, or cilantro can help freshen your breath. These herbs contain natural compounds that can neutralize odors and leave your breath smelling fresh.
Tonsil stones can cause bad breath due to the interaction between the stones and bacteria in the mouth. The tonsils are part of the immune system and contain small pockets called crypts. These crypts can trap bacteria and debris, providing an environment for the formation of tonsil stones.
In addition to good oral hygiene, there are other steps you can take to prevent bad breath. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day can help prevent dry mouth. Avoiding foods that can cause bad breath, such as garlic and onions, can also help keep your breath fresh. Quitting smoking and tobacco use is another important step in improving oral health and breath.
A number of things can contribute to you having a dry mouth, such as medications, smoking, and mouth breathing. When there is a lack of saliva in your mouth, bacteria won’t be rinsed out as well as they should be, which can lead to bad breath. Occasional dry mouth is normal, but bad breath could become chronic if you’re experiencing it regularly.
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Drinking more water during the day can help, both by rinsing away food and preventing dryness in the mouth.
Drinking green tea can also be beneficial for combating bad breath. Green tea contains polyphenols, which have been shown to have antimicrobial properties that can help kill bacteria in the mouth.