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Building up too many ketones in the blood can be dangerous, but for most people on a low-carb diet, this isn’t a concern.
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In most cases, bad breath can be effectively treated with proper oral hygiene practices and lifestyle changes. However, there are instances where bad breath may be a sign of an underlying medical condition. If bad breath persists despite practicing good oral hygiene and making lifestyle changes, it is important to see a dentist or doctor for further evaluation.
There’s no one specific “bad breath smell” because there are a variety of different causes for bad breath. Some common causes are:
Tonsil stones smell so bad because they house anaerobic bacteria that produce volatile sulfur compounds which smell like rotten eggs. If you want the smell to go away, you can remove your tonsil stones by gargling a vinegar solution or peroxide and adding probiotic-rich foods like yogurt to your diet.
Halitosis is common in people who have tonsil stones. That’s because the bacteria that produce volatile sulfur compounds thrive in the crevices of your throat, where food, mucus, and other bacteria have already built up.
For stones that do not go away on their own, there are several types of treatments: Medications: Antibiotics to help reduce bacteria Antihistamines to reduce mucus from sinus problems or allergies Laser treatment (laser tonsil cryptolysis): a noninvasive treatment that helps minimize or remove the tonsil pockets (crypts) where the tonsil stones are lodged Coblation cryptolysis: radio waves are used to change a salt solution into charged ions that can cut through the tissue to reduce crypts on the tonsils and eliminate tonsil stones Tonsillectomy: removal of the tonsils, usually the last resort but the only way to eliminate tonsil stones and prevent new ones from forming
Using a mouthwash can be an effective way to freshen your breath and kill bacteria in your mouth. There are many mouthwashes available on the market, but not all are created equal. Here are five top-rated mouthwashes for fresh breath:
There is a strong link between halitosis and gum disease. Gum disease is caused by the buildup of plaque and bacteria along the gumline, leading to inflammation and infection. This can result in bad breath.
Most of the time, bad breath can be cured and prevented with proper oral hygiene. It is rarely life-threatening, and the prognosis is good. However, bad breath may be a complication of a medical disorder that needs to be treated. Rosenberg, Mel. "Bad Breath." UpToDate.com. September 2019.
Brush your tongue, cheeks, and the roof of your mouth. Most bad breath bacteria live on the tongue. So brushing or scraping the tongue can make a big difference in your breath.
To floss effectively, use a piece of floss about 18 inches long. Wrap the ends of the floss around your middle fingers and hold it tightly between your thumbs and index fingers. Gently slide the floss between your teeth, using a back-and-forth motion. Curve the floss around each tooth in a C shape and slide it up and down to remove plaque and debris. Be sure to floss both sides of each tooth and along the gumline. Use a clean section of floss for each tooth.
Speaking of what causes bad breath, you might actually find some of them surprising.
Loss of smell and taste may result from polyps in the nasal or sinus cavities, hormonal disturbances, or dental problems. They can also be caused by prolonged exposure to certain chemicals such as insecticides, and by some medicines.
Finding and treating an existing health condition may get rid of the bad breath.
The Benefits of Drinking Water for Fresher Breath
People with ill-maintained oral hygiene are at a prime risk of halitosis. Older people or patients with neurological diseases with poor coordination of hand and wrist movements can develop halitosis since they cannot maintain their oral hygiene. Dehydration, diabetes, and other diseases that reduce the body’s water content can also be risk factors. Patients with gastric diseases such as H.pylori infection or gastro-esophageal reflux might also develop halitosis if their primary disease is not treated.