Beyond Brushing and Flossing: Exploring the Lesser-Known Causes of Chronic Bad Breath
Introduction: The Importance of Fresh Breath
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Even if food isn’t naturally smelly, it can become smelly if it’s left in your mouth too long. If you’re not cleaning your mouth well enough, food residue can rot in your mouth, causing very bad breath. This is particularly common for people who don’t floss and have residue stuck between their teeth.
The buildup of bacteria that causes a cavity can cause bad breath, as well as untreated cavities and further decay can produce a foul-smelling odour.
I have covered this topic extensively on my blog, but here are a few quick tips to get you started.
Antibacterial mouthwash is excellent for helping you mask bad breath while also killing the bacteria inside your mouth that contribute to it. For fresh breath anytime, keep a travel-sized bottle in your purse, briefcase, or desk drawer.
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.
Bad breath is caused by various factors, including poor oral hygiene, certain foods and drinks, smoking, dry mouth, and underlying health conditions. The most common cause of bad breath is the buildup of bacteria in the mouth. These bacteria break down food particles and release foul-smelling gases as a byproduct.
If you are taking medications and experiencing chronic bad breath, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider. They may be able to adjust your medication or recommend strategies to alleviate dry mouth and improve your breath.
Bad breath can also be caused by certain health conditions, such as dry mouth or diabetes.
Carrots, onions, and apples are also great for removing tonsil stones and reducing the bad smell since they kill the anaerobic bacteria that grow around the stones. Vinegar also breaks down and softens tonsil stones, making them easier to remove.
Since food and bacteria that get caught in the folds cause tonsil stones, tonsilloliths most commonly grow in the crevices where your tonsils and adenoids meet your throat.
The alternative is to scrape your tongue with a special tongue cleaner. This method is also under assessment in the newest Cochrane review. Their last report found just two small trials looking at this method. They showed it can work, but that the effect is short-lived. They also highlight the risk of damaging the tongue by pressing too hard and to ensure that if you want to use a toothbrush to clean your tongue, you make sure that it’s a soft one.
3. Promotes oral hygiene: Using a tongue scraper as part of your daily oral hygiene routine can help maintain a clean and healthy mouth. It complements brushing and flossing by targeting bacteria on the tongue.
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.
Gargling with salt water can help dislodge tonsil stones and reduce inflammation in the tonsils. Mix a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and gargle for 30 seconds before spitting it out.
Understanding the Causes of Bad Breath