If you have diabetes and are wanting to control bad breath, having a rigid daily oral hygiene can help decrease the buildup of bacteria. Additionally, keeping blood glucose levels in their target range will ensure ketones are kept under control and sugar-free mints or gum can stimulate the production of saliva to avoid dry mouth.
If your bad breath smells like ammonia, it could be a sign that you may have kidney disease. The kidneys filter out and remove waste and toxins – such as urea, which breaks down into ammonia – from the body through urination. Kidneys also regulate blood pressure and control red blood cell production.
.
In addition to plaque on the teeth, it can also accumulate in the deep grooves and pits on the tongue. For this reason, many people also need to add tongue cleaning to their oral hygiene routines.
A dry socket is a potential complication that can occur when a blood clot in the gums becomes dislodged after a tooth extraction. Dry socket signs and symptoms include pain, mouth odor, and unpleasant taste in the mouth. A dentist may treat a dry socket with analgesic dressing. Over-the-counter pain medications can also relieve symptoms. A dry socket usually heals within 7 days. Avoiding smoking, drinking with a straw, and vigorous rinsing and spitting may help prevent the formation of dry socket.
Coffee and alcohol can also contribute to bad breath. Both of these beverages can dry out the mouth, leading to a decrease in saliva production. Saliva plays a crucial role in washing away bacteria and food particles, so a decrease in saliva can lead to an increase in bacteria growth and bad breath.
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
Chewing sugar-free gum can help stimulate saliva production and promote fresher breath. Saliva plays a crucial role in washing away bacteria and food particles, so an increase in saliva can help reduce the likelihood of bad breath.
Kidney disease – about 31 million people in the United States or 10% of the population have chronic kidney disease[vi]. Kidney disease refers to the gradual loss of kidney function and it can be a complication of many other health conditions. How does kidney disease cause halitosis? These organs filter out different minerals in the blood and send healthy blood back to your body and heart. Kidney failure impairs the ability of this organ to filter out minerals and they accumulate in the bloodstream. As a result, you experience a metallic taste and bad breath.
Our mouth is supposed to be full of saliva most of the time. Saliva helps our mouth stay healthy by killing bacteria and repairing our teeth (albeit very slowly). And it helps remove food debris. If you have a dry mouth, it’s easier for odors to build up because of food or bacteria.
Called to schedule an appointment as I thought I had an abscess. Office was able to get me in the same day, which I was... thankful for as I had yet to find a new dentist. Check in was quick. Front office staff was very professional & friendly. Panoramic & bitewing x-rays were taken. Also inserted a tiny camera in my mouth & took pictures of all of my teeth. Dr. Birch confirmed that I had an abscessed tooth & explained to me my treatment options. I was given a print out of my treatment plan & costs. Gave me a prescription for antibiotics & scheduled me for my tooth extraction next week. Great experience overall!read more
Severe mouth odor is typically caused by dental infections that require treatment by a qualified dental professional. Other common causes of bad breath include diets containing certain foods, smoking and other tobacco use, poor oral hygiene, some medications, and may even result from health conditions present throughout the body.
At Capital Dental, we treat halitosis with a professional cleaning and oral cleanse to reach crevices not normally accessed through regular brushing and flossing. Occasionally, a deep cleaning, consisting of scaling and root planing, is needed to remove bacteria trapped below the gum line. We also can perform tongue scraping, if the tongue is the source of the smell.
Remember to gargle with salt water and practice good oral hygiene to prevent tonsil stones from forming. Small tonsil stones can be removed at home, but if you have large tonsil stones or are experiencing severe symptoms, it's best to see a doctor for proper treatment.
Maintaining good oral hygiene practices, such as brushing, flossing, and tongue scraping, is crucial in preventing halitosis. Natural remedies, dietary changes, probiotics, and oil pulling can also help freshen breath and improve oral health.
Conclusion: Taking Steps to Prevent and Treat Throat-Related Bad Breath
No one wants their breath to smell like raw sulfur, and if you have tonsil stones, it may feel impossible to get rid of the foul smell and taste in your throat.
HomeAbout Cosmetic DentistsOur Office & TeamPayment OptionsAfterPay Short-Term Financing for Dental CareFrequently Asked QuestionsNew Patient FormsOut of Town GuestsDental TechnologyBlogServices Digital Dental ImplantsGeneral DentistryMouthguardsTeeth CleaningWhite FillingsGum TreatmentRoot Canal TherapySedation DentistryCosmetic DentistryTeeth WhiteningBracesSmilefast™Six Month Smiles™Clear BracesDental CrownsPorcelain VeneersDenturesFOY DenturesBPS ® DenturesPrettau Implant BridgesDental Care For Whole Body HealthTMJ TreatmentJaw PainHeadachesSleep Apnoea TreatmentSnoring TreatmentAll ServicesGalleryBook OnlineContact