The reasons for bad breath range from the not-so-bad (you had a slice of garlic pizza) to the more urgent (you’ve got an infection). Understanding some of the most common causes of bad breath can help you work with your dentist and hygienist to put together a plan to keep unpleasant mouth odors away.
Love this office. The hygienists are always very nice and gentle. They don't push extra visits and procedures. My... appointment is always on time. If I'm there early, they often get me started early.read more
.
On the other hand, there are foods that can help freshen breath. Apples and carrots, for example, stimulate saliva production, which can help wash away bacteria and food particles in the mouth. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day can also help keep the mouth hydrated and reduce the risk of dry mouth, a common cause of bad breath.
There are a few health conditions outside the mouth that can contribute to bad breath. Because dental problems are far more likely to be the culprit, we always rule them out first. If your dentist rules out any dental problems as the source of your bad breath, you then likely need to look outside the mouth.
Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed, and how it will help you. Also know what the side effects are and when they should be reported.
It is a procedure for the surgical removal of tonsils. It is generally done using a laser, scalpel, or a specific coblation device. Doctors only recommend this procedure for severe and chronic cases when other treatments might not have worked out.
Saliva usually washes away excess food particles and bacteria that build up on teeth. If you don’t have enough saliva to do this you will definitely suffer from an unpleasant smell. Common causes of decrease saliva are:
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.
Ear, Nose and Throat Journal: “Coblation Cryptolysis to Treat Tonsil Stones: A Retrospective Case Series.”
- Fresh fruits and vegetables: Crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples, carrots, and celery can help stimulate saliva production, which can help wash away bacteria and freshen your breath.
Improperly cleaned dentures can also harbor odor-causing bacteria and food particles. If you wear removable dentures, take them out at night and clean them thoroughly before replacing them.
Kidney disease can be caused by high blood pressure, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, medications, or injury. If you notice your breath smells like ammonia, visit your doctor as soon as possible to have any underlying causes treated. Additionally, regular checkups with your dentist are important to build a good oral hygiene routine.
Dry mouth, or xerostomia, is another factor that can lead to bad breath. Saliva plays a crucial role in washing away bacteria and food particles in the mouth. When there is a decrease in saliva production, such as during sleep or due to certain medications, bad breath can occur.
The Impact of Medications on Your Breath
They start to grow when you eat food and bacteria gets caught in the folds of your skin, and your body can produce them on its own! This stuff sticks around for a while before it turns into what I like to call “tonsil rocks” or “throat pearls.”
Periodontal (gum) disease often causes persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth, and persistent bad breath may mean a sign that you have gum disease.
If you or others notice this type of bad breath, it’s important to talk to a doctor right away.