Sadly, the term bad breath does not need much explanation. You inherently know what we mean because you have probably experienced it either for yourself or through a loved one. We understand the adjective bad to mean that the odor of bad breath is unpleasant or offensive. While we can certainly smell someone’s mouth odor when they breathe, we also detect it during speaking and laughing.
Dr. Birch and his team were great! I had a really good overall experience at Premier Family Dental Care. They were... courteous, caring, and thorough. Chloe and Mackenzie do a wonderful job at the front desk, Christian was patient and made me feel comfortable with the x-ray process, and Stacey is an excellent dental hygienist. From the time I called to make an initial appointment for check-up/x-rays to the second appointment for cleaning, they were all top-notch. I would highly recommend Dr. Birch for those considering a dentist in the East Valley. He is knowledgeable, professional and listens to you!read more
.
There are some things a person can do to eliminate or at least temporarily mask bad breath. Good oral hygiene, such as brushing the teeth and tongue and flossing, keeps the mouth healthy and can often get rid of bad breath, at least in the short term. Mouthwash may temporarily mask bad breath and can help with oral hygiene. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking on sugar-free mints may temporarily mask bad breath odor. For more serious cases of bad breath, dentists can prescribe special toothpaste and mouthwash that can improve the symptoms 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.
The link between diet and bad breath, and how to make dietary changes
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.
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.
Disclaimer- The last three remedies might not be safe for several patients. It is best to consult with the doctor first before undertaking the last three remedies.
Most of the time, we ourselves are the cause of bad breath by not paying enough attention to our daily oral hygiene. The most common mistakes we make are brushing teeth too short and not thoroughly, brushing with an improper technique, brushing teeth too infrequently, not cleaning the interdental spaces, neglecting the care of the tongue.
Food and drinks such as alcohol, caffeinated liquids, onions, garlic, citrus fruits, tomatoes, peppermints, spicy foods, and fried or fatty foods should be avoided to help control acid reflux and the subsequent halitosis related.
If your tonsils are inflamed, already infected, or swollen, it’s more likely you’ll develop tonsil stones. That’s because swollen tonsils have more wrinkles and crevices where food and bacteria can accumulate.
In addition to causing bad breath, smoking can also lead to other oral health issues such as gum disease and oral cancer. Quitting smoking is the best way to improve your oral health and maintain fresh breath. If you need help quitting, there are various resources available, such as support groups and nicotine replacement therapies.
Based on the underlying cause, halitosis is divided into three classes: Physiologic halitosis, pathologic halitosis, and psychogenic halitosis. Food substances usually cause physiologic halitosis with a strong smell, such as onion, garlic, etc. In other cases, the accumulation of food particles within the oral cavity for a long time can also cause bad breath. Any abnormality that reduces the salivary flow rate or causes dry mouth contributes to physiologic halitosis.
Eating more frequently, small meals can help to manage weight and the effects of acid reflux. Having a large meal can upset the stomach and allow more undigested food and stomach acid to make its way into the esophagus. Additionally, maintaining a healthy weight puts less pressure on the LES.
Furthermore, untreated tonsil stones can contribute to poor oral health. The bacteria associated with tonsil stones can spread to other areas of the mouth, leading to tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues.
Looking for a tonsil stone removal kit that has everything for under $20? Check out my review here!
Bad breath may be a symptom of any of the following conditions. See your healthcare provider for a diagnosis.