Saliva is a naturally occurring substance in our body that keeps the mouth, esophagus and digestive tract clean. Think of it as engine oil for your mouth and digestive system. Breaking your fast in the morning regenerates saliva so that the digestive system can continue to do its job. Skipping breakfast brings this entire process to a halt, introducing certain compounds in your mouth that not only lead to dryness but also bad breath.
As a result of all these neglects, volatile sulfur compounds, food debris and plaque begin to accumulate in the oral cavity. All these harmful deposits are the direct cause of bad breath. Not to mention that they often lead to tooth decay and periodontal disease.
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Dentists usually diagnose bad breath. The diagnosis is based on your health history and mouth odor during the dental exam. The entire mouth is checked to see if a cause can be found, such as an infection. If the dentist can’t find the cause, they will refer you to your primary healthcare provider.
Halitosis caused by intraoral factors results from changes that occur within the mouth and is responsible for the majority of cases of bad breath. The following are the most common intraoral causes of halitosis:
Your doctor can usually diagnose tonsil stones with a physical exam. If they’re hidden in the folds of your tonsils, you might need imaging tests, such as CT or MRI scans, to spot them.
The best treatment for gum disease is to prevent it entirely by brushing twice a day and flossing once a day. However, if gingivitis begins to develop, the only way to let gums heal is to visit a professional to remove plaque and clear away bacteria.
Essential oils, such as tea tree oil or peppermint oil, can be used as a mouthwash or added to water for gargling. These oils have antimicrobial properties that can help kill bacteria and reduce bad breath.
Bad breath is nothing to worry about for crash dieters as cutting back on calories results in increased production of unpleasant smell-releasing ketones.
It is also important to choose a mouthwash that does not contain alcohol, as alcohol can dry out the mouth and contribute to bad breath. Opting for an alcohol-free mouthwash can help maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in the mouth and reduce the risk of dry mouth.
It is also known as tonsilloliths, are hard calcified formations that are yellow and white in color and are found on the fleshy pads at the back of the throat, also known as tonsils.
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Gargling and using essential oils are two great ways to freshen your breath, fight infections, and kill all of the bacteria that cause the foul smell.
The Link between Halitosis and Gastrointestinal Problems
The alternative is to scrape your tongue with a special tongue cleaner. This method is also under assessment in the newest Cochrane review. Their last report found just two small trials looking at this method. They showed it can work, but that the effect is short-lived. They also highlight the risk of damaging the tongue by pressing too hard and to ensure that if you want to use a toothbrush to clean your tongue, you make sure that it’s a soft one.
If your dentist has ruled out any oral problems that might cause a chronic bad breath, it is best to see you doctor for an evaluation too. This may indicate infection somewhere else in your body and can be a sign of a range of conditions like diabetes, strep throat, tonsilitis, respiratory tract infections, bronchitis, chronic sinusitis, HIV, digestive system ailments such as ref-lux or liver and kidney problems.
Conclusion:
Rinsing your throat will kill some of the anaerobic bacteria that grow on your tonsil stones and soften the growth.