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.
Flossing is another essential step in maintaining fresh breath. It helps remove plaque and food debris from between your teeth and along the gumline, where a toothbrush cannot reach. Flossing should be done at least once a day, preferably before bedtime.
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One common medical treatment is a tonsillectomy, which involves the surgical removal of the tonsils. This procedure is typically reserved for severe cases of tonsil stones or recurrent infections that do not respond to other treatments.
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Other medical conditions that can cause bad breath include gastrointestinal issues like acid reflux or liver disease. These conditions can cause stomach acids or toxins to be released into the mouth, resulting in an unpleasant odor.
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Antibiotics may be prescribed in cases where tonsil stones are accompanied by an infection. Antibiotics can help kill the bacteria causing the infection and reduce inflammation in the tonsils.
Taking steps to prevent and treat throat-related bad breath not only improves oral health but also boosts self-confidence and overall well-being.
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Brushing your teeth and flossing after a meal will help to improve the scent of your breath. In the case of garlic, you can try to neutralize some of the sulfur and the odor by eating a raw apple, as Popular Science reported.
[iii] Aylıkcı BU, Çolak H. Halitosis: From diagnosis to management. Journal of Natural Science, Biology, and Medicine. 2013;4(1):14-23. doi:10.4103/0976-9668.107255. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3633265/
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.
Food particles often remain trapped between the mouth’s soft tissues and dentures. The patient may not even realize the presence of debris until the dentures are removed for cleaning. Thus, it is advisable to remove the same before sleeping and opt for an antibacterial mouthwash gargle.
Let’s get one thing straight right off the bat: no one is claiming that Listerine invented bad breath. Human mouths have stunk for millennia, and there are ancient breath freshening solutions to prove it. But, as Esther Inglis-Arkell writes at io9, in more modern days, advertisements for Listerine transformed halitosis from a bothersome personal imperfection into an embarrassing medical condition that urgently required treatment. Treatment that—conveniently—the company wanted to sell.
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.
Flossing is another essential step in maintaining fresh breath. It helps remove plaque and food debris from between your teeth and along the gumline, where a toothbrush cannot reach. Flossing should be done at least once a day, preferably before bedtime.
Good oral hygiene and fresh breath are not only important for maintaining a healthy mouth, but they also play a crucial role in our overall well-being. Bad breath, also known as halitosis, can be embarrassing and can have a negative impact on our social interactions and self-esteem. Understanding the causes of bad breath and taking steps to prevent it can help us maintain fresh breath and improve our oral health.