What is halitosis and what causes it?
The buildup of plaque and bacteria that causes infection and disease also causes the unpleasant odour that goes along with halitosis. Your dentist will check for early signs of gum disease at every exam and cleaning as beginning stages often go undetected.
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Morning breath, your saliva production decreases when you sleepHungry or thirsty, when you dehydrate, you don’t have enough salivaAlcoholic drinksUsing multiple medications
WorlDental.org: "The Truth About Halitosis, Bad Breath," "Bad Breath Causes and How to Get Rid of Bad Breath."
Bad breath can happen to anyone. The American Dental Association reports that about half of adults in the US have or will have to deal with bad breath at some point in their lifetimes.
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.
Dentures, removable replacements for missing teeth, come in two types: partial and complete dentures. Dental implants and bridges are suitable alternatives to dentures. Though it usually takes a while to get used to eating and speaking with new dentures, denture adhesives can improve the stability of the denture and provide a sense of security for the denture wearer.
In extreme cases, your doctor may recommend a tonsillectomy or laser cryptolysis, which reduces the number of crevices and folds in your tonsils.
Gum (periodontal) disease is caused by the buildup of plaque on the teeth. When you fail to brush and floss properly, the bacteria on your teeth causes toxins to form. This can irritate the gums, cause pockets to form between your teeth and gums that trap food, and cause bad breath.
Bad breath can also affect children, and it is important to help them maintain good oral hygiene. Common causes of bad breath in children include poor oral hygiene, dry mouth, sinus infections, and certain medical conditions. Here are some tips for helping your child fight bad breath:
Although (as you probably know) there’s no cure for the common cold, there are ways to help yourself feel better when you have one. Taking a decongestant can help your nasal passages drain and drinking plenty of water and other fluids can help to flush out excess mucous.
If you suspect that you have a tonsil stone, the first thing you could do is gargle with salt water, hydrogen peroxide, apple cider vinegar, or antiseptic mouthwash.
In addition to poor oral hygiene and dietary factors, certain medical conditions can cause chronic bad breath. Dry mouth, or xerostomia, reduces saliva production, which leads to an increase in bacteria in the mouth. Sinus infections and respiratory conditions can also contribute to bad breath due to the presence of mucus and bacteria in the nasal passages.
Introduction
Sores, painful gums, bad breath -- what's going on in your mouth? Find out with our slideshow of the most common mouth problems. Learn about canker sores, cold sores, oral thrush, TMJ, and oral cancer. See what treatments for bad breath and other dental problems are available from your dentist.
On the other hand, there are foods that can actually help freshen breath. Fruits and vegetables, such as apples, carrots, and celery, can help stimulate saliva production and wash away bacteria and food particles that can cause bad breath. Additionally, drinking plenty of water throughout the day can help prevent dry mouth, which is another common cause of bad breath.
We strive for 100% customer satisfaction. If we fell short, please tell us more so we can address your concerns. Medical Author: John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP Halitosis What Is Bad Breath? Symptoms What Are Symptoms of Bad Breath? Diagnosis How Is Bad Breath Diagnosed? How to Get Rid of Bad Breath What Is the Treatment for Bad Breath? Bad breath (halitosis) is an embarrassing problem of undesirable odor coming from the mouth. Causes of bad breath include bacteria in the mouth, dry mouth, gum disease, medical conditions, food, smoking, and stress.