Smoking is a bad habit any way you slice it, but one thing it’s fairly well known for is causing halitosis, or “smoker’s breath.” Smoke particles can linger in the throat and lungs for hours, giving your breath a stale scent. The chemicals in tobacco smoke also remain in the mouth, leading to a whole host of secondary causes of bad breath. As mentioned briefly above, tobacco can lead to chronic bad breath by drying out the tongue and gums, leaving a chemical-filmed environment where oral bacteria can run amok. Giving up smoking is good for your body in many ways. Forget better breath – you’ll have a better quality of life!
Chronic sinus infections and post-nasal drop often lead to bad breath, as do persistent throat infections. Some people suffer from infections in the stomach that travel up the esophagus into the mouth, leaving a bad smell. Severe acid reflux and GERD can cause a bad odor, and certain metabolic disorders emit unpleasant gases through the breath.
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Other dental causes of bad breath include poorly fitting dental appliances, yeast infections of the mouth, and cavities.
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.
So, if you have terrible, incurably bad-smelling breath that you can’t get rid of through brushing, you just might have a tonsil stone.
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.
Regular dental checkups are crucial in maintaining fresh breath and overall oral health. During a dental cleaning, a dental hygienist will remove plaque and tartar from your teeth, which can contribute to bad breath. They will also polish your teeth to remove any surface stains.
Debris and bacteria start accumulating in the tonsil, resulting in (white) stones. The condition is also known as tonsilloliths, and if ignored, it further results in a painful throat as well as a foul smell. Detailed oral health inspection may be required to check the symptoms of tonsil stones in the throat area.
Bad breath, also called halitosis, can be embarrassing, especially when other people comment on it, making you feel self-conscious about talking or even smiling. But chronic bad breath can also be a sign of a larger problem. Most cases of bad breath occur after a meal with onions or other ingredients with strong odors, or after going a long time without brushing. These cases are resolved by brushing or gargling with mouthwash. Chronic halitosis, on the other hand, occurs frequently and can only be temporarily relieved with basic hygiene. This is because chronic bad breath doesn’t exist on its own; it’s often a symptom of a more serious problem and cannot be resolved without the proper treatment. Poor oral hygiene habits: infrequent brushing, not flossing and not rinsing with mouthwash can lead to excessive, odor-causing bacteria in the mouth Chronic illnesses: poorly controlled diabetes can cause a buildup of sugar, which attracts bacteria, while kidney failure can cause a fishy smell in the mouth Medications: Antidepressants, diuretics and other medications that cause dry mouth can reduce your saliva production, making it more hospitable to bacteria Gum disease or infection: whether at the gum line or in the tooth itself, periodontitis and other infections in the mouth can leave an unpleasant taste and a bad odor in your mouth What are the remedies for bad breath?
Bleeding or dry sockets after extractions (like wisdom tooth removal) can cause bad breath until the wound heals. An infection from a dental implant can also cause bad breath, thus, good oral hygiene is crucial to prevent unpleasant complications.
Making dietary changes can help improve breath odor. Avoiding foods that are known to cause bad breath, such as garlic and onions, can be beneficial. Instead, opt for foods that promote good oral health, such as fruits and vegetables. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day can also help keep the mouth hydrated and reduce the risk of bad breath.
Nothing but great things to say about them. The office staff is beyond accommodating and will answer any and all... questions you have. Dentist are great at explaining and checking in on patients and with a family of 6 we've probably gone through all the hygienists and dental assistants who are also just great. AND their prices are really competitive as well. I've been surprised when I've had to go somewhere else because of time constrictions and they have some of the lowest prices. HIGHYLY RECOMMEND!!!read more
Drinking green tea can also help prevent tonsil stones and bad breath. Green tea contains polyphenols, which have antimicrobial properties that can help kill bacteria in the mouth.
Those who would like to professionally check the quality of their breath can do so with a halimeter. This is a device that resembles a breathalyzer in appearance and operation. All you have to do is blow air into it and it will give you a clear indication of how much undesirable volatile sulfur compounds are in your breath.
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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.
Rinsing with one or more of these liquids can also help you prevent developing tonsil stones in the future. So, you may want to gargle more frequently if you wish to avoid tonsil stones and bad breath in the future.