1. Removes bacteria: The surface of the tongue can harbor bacteria that contribute to bad breath. Tongue scrapers can effectively remove this bacteria, reducing the odor in your mouth.
On the contrary, pathologic halitosis is caused by oral diseases that promote the growth of bacteria, leading to chronic bad breath. Although other factors may also contribute, periodontal diseases, such as gingivitis or periodontitis, are the most common oral diseases that are pathological causes of halitosis.
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Sometimes, we eat something that causes bad breath. Peppers, onions, garlic, curries, cheese, and seafood are all culprits in causing bad breath shortly after eating.
Many don’t know how their diet can be one of the causes of bad breath. Eating a high-protein, low-carb diet can cause your metabolism to change because protein is harder for your body to digest. They tend to release sulfurous gases when they don’t metabolize. To avoid this, eat a more balanced and nutritious diet full of vegetables and herbs.
When you have a common cold or other respiratory infection, the mucous your body produces can be seen as a tasty meal for odor-causing bacteria in the mouth, which can lead to bad breath.
Another side effect of smoking is dry mouth, caused by bacteria in the mouth from tobacco. Dry mouth has a significant correlation to smoking, which is also a leading cause of halitosis. Dry mouth not only affects breath, but also affects gingivitis, making an even bigger case for the importance of regular dental checkups if you are a smoker.
Certain pathological diseases cause Pathologic Halitosis. Most of these occur inside the mouth, such as dental caries, gingivitis, periodontitis, etc. But some of these pathologies might arise from tonsils or sinuses. Tonsillitis, postnasal drip, sinusitis, etc., are typical examples.
Chewing on herbs such as parsley and mint can also help freshen breath. These herbs contain natural compounds that can neutralize odors and provide a refreshing scent.
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The science behind bad breath: Understanding the causes
The foods we eat can have a significant impact on our breath. Certain foods, such as garlic, onions, and spicy foods, contain volatile compounds that can be released into the bloodstream and carried to the lungs, resulting in bad breath. These compounds can also be excreted through the pores, further contributing to bad breath.
4. Hydrate! – Many people suffer from dry mouth, which aggravates bad breath. Whether the dry mouth is the result of a prescription medication side effect or simple dehydration, one important solution is drinking lots of water. Drinking water provides the necessary resources to your salivary glands for the production of saliva. It also helps to flush away dental plaque and food debris.
Sometimes certain medications are the cause of smell or taste disorders, and improvement occurs when that medicine is stopped or changed. Although certain medications can cause chemosensory problems, others particularly anti-allergy drugs seem to improve the senses of taste and smell. Some patients, notably those with serious respiratory infections or seasonal allergies, regain their smell or taste simply by waiting for their illness to run its course. In many cases, nasal obstructions, such as polyps, can be removed to restore airflow to the receptor area and can correct the loss of smell and taste. Occasionally, chemosenses return to normal just as spontaneously as they disappeared. Quick Links News Physician Portal CME Calendar Online Orientation Careers Take Charge of Your Health Publications Pay Your Bill Vendors Foundation - Ways to Give Residency ValleyWay MyChart Institutional Review Board Practices Primary Care Offices Specialists Care Offices Walk-in Care Services Urology Cancer Heart & Vascular Women & Children Neuroscience Orthopedics Bariatric Weight Loss Program Physical Rehabilitation Other Services Patients & Visitors A Message From the Joint Commission Notice of Privacy Practices Patient Rights & Responsibilities Community Education Programs Advance Directives Support Groups Locations Cape Fear Valley Medical Center Highsmith-Rainey Specialty Hospital Rehabilitation Center Behavioral Health Care Bladen County Hospital Hoke Hospital
Dr. Nguyen enjoys spending time with his wife and three daughters, staying active in the gym, and trying out new restaurants. When he isn’t at work, you can find him playing basketball, tennis, football, or hiking.
If so, avoid foods like spinach, peppercorns, sesame seeds, popcorn, and other foods that can easily become stuck in your mouth. Check out my article on tonsil stone diet tips here.
4. Cloves: Cloves have antimicrobial properties and can help freshen breath. You can chew on whole cloves or use clove oil as a mouthwash.