Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is a common problem that affects millions of people worldwide. It can be embarrassing and can have a negative impact on a person's self-esteem and social interactions. While poor oral hygiene is often the main culprit of bad breath, there are other surprising causes that people may not be aware of.
If bad breath persists despite good oral hygiene and lifestyle changes, it may be a sign of an underlying medical condition. In such cases, it is important to seek professional help from a dentist or doctor. They can perform a thorough examination and diagnose the underlying cause of bad breath from the throat.
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Since these bacteria cause a foul odor, killing them with salty, acidic, and oxygen-based rinsing agents can significantly reduce the bad smell and potentially even remove the stone.
Other medical conditions such as tonsil stones and postnasal drip can also contribute to bad breath from the throat. Tonsil stones are small, hard deposits that form in the crevices of the tonsils. These stones can harbor bacteria and emit a foul odor. Postnasal drip occurs when excess mucus drips down the back of the throat, providing a breeding ground for bacteria.
Yes, small tonsil stones can be removed at home using a cotton swab or the back of your toothbrush. However, if you have large tonsil stones or are experiencing severe symptoms, it's best to see a doctor.
Sometimes, it’s not any individual meal you’re eating. It’s the combination of your diet as a whole. While it’s good to give up sugar, many people want to go further and eliminate most carbs from their diet. This drives the body to burn other sources of energy, such as fats and proteins. The byproduct of this is ketones, which have a sweet, fruity odor.
The Importance of Oral Hygiene in Preventing Bad Breath
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The Importance of Oral Hygiene in Preventing Halitosis
When to see a dentist or doctor about bad breath
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 same spices that make a meal a work of art can leave a strong scent lingering on your breath. Foods and spices such as garlic, onion, spicy foods, curry, some cheeses, fish, and acidic beverages such as coffee can leave a lingering smell. These smells usually fade quickly or can be fixed by giving your mouth a quick rinse with some mouthwash or chewing a piece of sugar-free gum.
Bad breath can also be caused by certain health conditions, such as dry mouth or diabetes.
There is no agreement on what proportion of the whole population does actually have halitosis, with rates varying from 22 to 50%. The people who can’t go numb at the dentists Do you really need to floss? How often do you need to see the dentist?
If you have any questions or concerns we would love to hear from you. Our dental hygienists at Premier Family Dental are open to calls and we can advise you on what steps to take. Don’t be afraid to ask any other dental hygiene-related questions. We always love to help because you are our number one priority!
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
With proper treatment and prevention methods, halitosis can be cured within a short period. For bad breath associated with pathologic diseases, the prognosis depends on the severity and treatment of the underlying condition.