Halitosis, or bad breath affects an estimated 65% of Americans. Over 40 million Americans have "chronic halitosis," which is persistent bad breath. 90% of all halitosis is of oral, not systemic, origin.
Foods and drinks that can cause bad breath:
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There are several factors that can contribute to dry mouth. Certain medications, such as antihistamines and antidepressants, can reduce saliva production. Medical conditions like Sjogren's syndrome and diabetes can also cause dry mouth. Additionally, lifestyle habits like breathing through the mouth instead of the nose or excessive alcohol consumption can contribute to dry mouth.
Keep the mouth moist by drinking water and chewing sugarless gum or sugar-free hard candy to stimulate the production of saliva. Mouthwash may temporarily mask bad breath odors, but it may not treat the underlying cause.
The Benefits of Oil Pulling for Halitosis
Brushing helps remove plaque and bacteria from the teeth and gums, while flossing helps remove food particles and bacteria from between the teeth. Using a tongue scraper can help remove the bacteria that can accumulate on the surface of the tongue and contribute to bad breath.
Gum, mints, and other quick fixes are just temporary solutions to occasional bad breath. If you’re dealing with true halitosis due to decay, illness, or any other reason, you shouldn’t stop at simply masking the problem. Dr. Edwards is an experienced dentist with over thirty years of experience treating families in Memphis and the surrounding areas. If you suffer from halitosis, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with him at our East Memphis or Midtown office to find out the underlying cause of the problem. Once we know what the issue is, we can offer a variety of treatment options to get rid of your chronic bad breath for good!
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Understanding the Causes of Bad Breath
Keep the mouth moist by drinking water and chewing sugarless gum or sugar-free hard candy to stimulate the production of saliva. Mouthwash may temporarily mask bad breath odors, but it may not treat the underlying cause.
1. Fluoride: Fluoride is a mineral that helps strengthen teeth and prevent cavities. It is an important ingredient to look for in a toothpaste, as cavities can contribute to bad breath.
Everyone gets bad breath occasionally — especially after eating garlic, onions, or other strong foods. But bad breath that doesn't go away (chronic halitosis) could mean you have an oral health issue or a condition that's affecting another part of your body.
The things you eat are linked to your oral health, including your breath. Items, such as garlic and onions, or any food, are absorbed into the bloodstream. Until that food leaves the body, it may affect your breath.
Tongue scrapers are tools designed to remove bacteria, food particles, and dead cells from the surface of the tongue. They can be an effective way to combat bad breath caused by bacteria on the tongue. Here are some benefits of using tongue scrapers:
You have halitosis if you have bad breath, and a doctor is not needed to diagnose the condition. However, if your bad breath is chronic, if it does not go away with proper oral hygiene, or if you have other symptoms, you will need to see a doctor or dentist to diagnose the underlying cause.
Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial in preventing tonsil stones and bad breath. This includes brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing daily, and using mouthwash to kill bacteria in the mouth. It is also important to clean your tongue regularly, as bacteria can accumulate on the surface of the tongue and contribute to bad breath.
The first stop when you have halitosis is usually your dentist. If your dentist determines you have a healthy mouth, you will likely be referred to a physician to look for an underlying health problem. If you have periodontal disease, you may see a periodontist, a dentist who specializes in gum disease and dental implants. If you have braces, it's like your bad breath is caused by food getting stuck in them. You may see your orthodontist for an adjustment. Bad breath in babies or young children may be a sign of infection or undiagnosed medical problems. Consult a child's pediatrician or dentist if an infant or young child has bad breath.