Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, occurs when there is not enough saliva in the mouth. Saliva plays a crucial role in maintaining oral health by washing away bacteria and food particles that can cause bad breath. When there is a lack of saliva, these bacteria and particles can accumulate in the mouth, leading to bad breath.
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For decades after Listerine first hit the market in the 1880s, it was kind of a jack-of-all trades product. Originally invented as a surgical antiseptic (and named after the founding father of antiseptics, Dr. Joseph Lister), its uses were varied—they including foot cleaning, floor scrubbing and gonorrhea treating.
It is not easy for people to realize whether they have tonsils or not. They are not visible easily and can have a size of a rice grain or a grape. They do not generally cause considerable health complications. But sometimes, they grow even more extensive, which swells up the tonsils and may even have an unpleasant smell.
Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial for preventing bad breath. Regular brushing, flossing, and tongue scraping help remove food particles and bacteria from the mouth, reducing the risk of bad breath. Brushing should be done at least twice a day, using a toothbrush with soft bristles and fluoride toothpaste.
It is believed to be made of a material known as biofilm that comprises a collection of microorganisms on the surface. The film combines mouth bacteria and fungi that attach to a moist surface. When the material hardens within the tonsils, plaque is formed.
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In addition to causing bad breath, smoking can also lead to other oral health issues such as gum disease and oral cancer. Quitting smoking is the best way to improve your oral health and maintain fresh breath. If you need help quitting, there are various resources available, such as support groups and nicotine replacement therapies.
[vii] National diabetes statistics report, CDC https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/data/statistics/statistics-report.html Home Philosophy Dion Health Services Resources Physician Referrals New Patients Existing Patients
Halitosis itself is a symptom of an underlying problem. If you feel a foul odor on your breath when you exhale, look out for the possible causes inside and outside your oral cavity. Another way to check whether your breath has an odor or not is to lick your wrist and let the saliva dry. After a few minutes, smell your wrist to figure out if you have bad breath or not. Since most of the causes arise within the oral cavity, the patient might also present with plaque deposits on the tongue and around teeth, redness and bleeding from gums, and multiple carious lesions.
One of the main symptoms of this gum disease is bad-smelling breath and an unpleasant taste in the mouth. This condition needs care right away by an oral health provider.
To manage diet-related bad breath, it is important to be mindful of what you eat and drink. Avoiding foods with strong odors or opting for mints or gum after consuming them can help mask the smell. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day can also help flush out bacteria and keep your mouth hydrated, reducing the risk of bad breath.
GERD is a common medical condition that can cause bad breath from the throat. The stomach acid that travels up the esophagus can reach the back of the throat, leaving a sour taste and foul odor. Treating GERD through lifestyle changes and medication can help alleviate bad breath.
[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 you have dentures, take them out at night. Clean them completely before putting them back in your mouth. Talk with your dentist before using deodorizing sprays or tablets. Some only mask the odor for a short time.
If you have persistent bad breath despite practicing good oral hygiene and making lifestyle changes, it is important to see a doctor. They can help diagnose and treat any underlying medical conditions that may be contributing to halitosis, such as liver disease or diabetes.
Here are some of the causes of bad breath, so you can be more confident when you show your smile.