Sores, painful gums, bad breath -- what's going on in your mouth? Find out with our slideshow of the most common mouth problems. Learn about canker sores, cold sores, oral thrush, TMJ, and oral cancer. See what treatments for bad breath and other dental problems are available from your dentist.
Saliva helps displace bacteria in the mouth that causes bad odors. When you have dry mouth, odor-causing bacteria is not washed away by saliva, resulting in bad breath. This is why most people have "morning breath;" your saliva production decreases when you are sleeping causing dry mouth and bad breath.
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Bad breath can be a side effect of diabetes. Because the body might have a hard time processing sugars for energy, the body can try to break down more fats, which leads to the production of ketones. The smell is similar to eating a low-carb diet, but unlike a low carb diet, diabetes is likely to lead to a toxic buildup of ketones if not properly treated.
The primary cause of bad breath from the throat is bacteria. Bacteria naturally reside in the mouth and throat, and when they break down food particles and other substances, they release foul-smelling gases. Poor oral hygiene can lead to an overgrowth of bacteria in the mouth and throat, resulting in bad breath.
Respiratory issues can also be a cause of bad breath. Sinus infections, for example, can lead to post-nasal drip, where mucus from the sinuses drips down the back of the throat and contributes to bad breath. Other respiratory conditions such as bronchitis or lung infections can also cause halitosis.
Top 5 Mouthwashes for Fresh Breath
Foods and drinks that can help freshen breath:
Halitosis can also be caused by factors outside of the oral cavity, which are referred to as extraoral causes. While less common than intraoral causes, there are a number of non-oral diseases that can trigger bad breath.The following are some of the most common extraoral causes of halitosis:
These compounds are given off when food and bacteria accumulate in the furrows at the back of the tongue. The good news is that this can be temporary, as a result of eating garlic or raw onions, drinking coffee or smoking cigarettes. But in three quarters of cases some kind of dental problem is found alongside the halitosis. The patients might have gums which are swollen, sore or infected or be suffering from a coating on the tongue.
Many tonsil stones, especially those that don’t have symptoms, don’t need special treatment. It depends on their size and whether they might cause you trouble.
Brushing helps remove plaque and bacteria from the teeth and gums, while flossing helps remove food particles and bacteria from between the teeth. Using a tongue scraper can help remove the bacteria that can accumulate on the surface of the tongue and contribute to bad breath.
We hope to never have to get to this point since prevention is much better than cure, but sometimes tonsil stones can form on their own and need to be removed before they start to stink.
Parsley is not only a popular garnish but also a natural breath freshener. It contains chlorophyll, which can help neutralize odors and freshen breath.
Halitosis vs. normal bad breath: What's the difference?
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- Coffee and alcohol: These beverages can cause dry mouth, which can worsen bad breath.
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