If you have persistent bad breath that doesn’t go away with brushing and flossing alone, your bad breath could be caused by something other than a plaque or the foods you consume. Bad breath or halitosis has many causes, including dry mouth, medications you may be taking, or a condition called tonsillitis. Tonsillitis is a condition of the lymph nodes known as your tonsils. The tonsils are located in your mouth, at the intersection of your throat and palate. Their primary function is to help your immune system by blocking germs from entering the throat. Tonsils are full of white blood cells that kill germs, too. The condition known as tonsillitis occurs when the tonsils become inflamed and infected. Sometimes, tonsillitis can be caused by a condition called tonsil stones, where the tonsils become full of ‘stones’ or hardened calcium deposits that get stuck in the pits and crevices of the tonsils. These calcium deposits are caused by oral plaque and bacteria and bits of swallowed food. Though tonsil stones are usually harmless, if they become infected your dentist may recommend they be removed, especially if your tonsillitis is recurring. Though tonsillitis is more common in children, it can still affect adults. Dr. Martin Abelar is a dentist practicing in San Diego, California. He says that tonsillitis is a common cause of bad breath because of the inflammation it causes. “Tonsilitis can be a major contributor of bad breath because it inflames the mucous membranes of the tonsils, making them cause a foul odor. Also, the bits of food and plaque stuck in the tonsils may cause foul odor as they decompose.” Abelar says that if you have difficulty swallowing or a persistent sore throat you may have tonsillitis and should be seen by a dentist for an evaluation. Bad breath is another symptom you may want to be on the lookout for. “If you do have bad breath, try the traditional means of eliminating it first. Brush your teeth at least twice per day, floss your teeth, and if you don’t already add steps to your routines such as mouthwash and tongue scraping.” As for tonsil stones, Abelar says they are usually harmless and unless they are causing pain can usually be left alone and can clear up on their own, but if you are concerned about bad breath or infection, you should speak to your dentist about having them removed. Artificial Intelligence Could Soon Diagnose Osteoarthritis Of The Temporomandibular Joint How To Prevent White Spots On Your Teeth During Orthodontic Treatment September 30, 2023 Denstistry, Orthodontics Artificial Intelligence Could Soon Diagnose Osteoarthritis Of The Temporomandibular Joint September 30, 2023 Denstistry, Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Autism Could Increase The Risk Of TMJ Dysfunction September 30, 2023 Denstistry, Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction
You have halitosis if you have bad breath, and a doctor is not needed to diagnose the condition. However, if your bad breath is chronic, if it does not go away with proper oral hygiene, or if you have other symptoms, you will need to see a doctor or dentist to diagnose the underlying cause.
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Natural Remedies for Bad Breath
Certain foods and drinks can also contribute to bad breath. Foods like garlic and onions contain volatile compounds that are absorbed into the bloodstream and carried to the lungs, where they are exhaled. Similarly, drinks like coffee and alcohol can leave a lingering odor in the mouth.
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.
Foods to Avoid for Fresher Breath
- Garlic and onions: These foods contain sulfur compounds that can be released in the mouth and contribute to bad breath.
Can crooked teeth cause bad breath? Halitosis can be caused by different types of dental malposition, such as crowded or crooked teeth, as these conditions make it difficult to properly clean teeth, resulting in the accumulation of food particles and the proliferation of bacteria that cause bad breath.
When you have a cavity (or tooth decay), plaque (food particles and bacteria) accumulates in the cavity and causes bad breath.
Sinusitis, an inflammation of the sinuses, can also contribute to bad breath from the throat. When the sinuses become blocked or infected, mucus can build up and create an environment for bacteria to thrive. This can result in bad breath. Treating sinusitis with nasal irrigation and medication can help reduce bad breath.
Halitosis is a problem that, according to conservative estimates, up to 30% of the population may be struggling with. So, as you can see, it is a very common ailment. Its source usually lies in improper oral hygiene. People who irregularly and inconsiderately brush their teeth, neglect interdental care or forget to clean their tongue are particularly exposed to the problem of bad breath. But not only. In today’s text, you will learn what else can lead to halitosis and how to effectively deal with this problem.
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Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential in preventing halitosis. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing daily helps remove food particles and bacteria from the mouth. It is important to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to effectively clean your teeth and gums.
Here are some of the causes of bad breath, so you can be more confident when you show your smile.
Digestive issues like acid reflux and gastrointestinal problems can also cause bad breath. Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation in the chest and a sour taste in the mouth. This sour taste can contribute to bad breath.
Antiseptic mouthwashes contain ingredients such as chlorhexidine or cetylpyridinium chloride, which help reduce the amount of bacteria in the mouth. These mouthwashes can be effective in freshening breath and preventing gum disease. Fluoride mouthwashes help strengthen tooth enamel and prevent tooth decay. Cosmetic mouthwashes contain ingredients such as mint or cinnamon to temporarily mask bad breath.