Medical Conditions and Bad Breath: A Closer Look at GERD, Sinusitis, and Other Culprits
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People often try to find a quick answer to these questions. The mouth smell solution depends on the source of its origin. Let’s take a look at several crucial factors to understand the halitosis causes and treatment options for the same.
It’s early days, so for now the medical advice is to brush and floss your teeth carefully, to drink plenty of water, not to smoke, to eat a balanced diet and to see your dentist about bad breath in case you have early signs of gum disease.
Stress and Anxiety: How They Affect Your Breath
Some people are born with a poor sense of smell or taste. Upper respiratory infections are blamed for some losses, and injury to the head can also cause smell or taste problems.
The Role of Diet in Preventing Bad Breath
If you have a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit.
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.
Millions of people – an estimated 1 in 4 people globally – suffer from chronic bad breath/ halitosis. It can cause embarrassment and anxiety, but it’s relatively easy to remedy.
Treatment Options for Halitosis: Finding the Right Solution for You
Large cavities and progressive gum disease both provide perfect hiding spots for large collections of bacteria. As cavities worsen, bacteria accumulate in actual holes in the teeth. When gum disease progresses, deep pockets develop between the tooth’s roots and the surrounding gum and jawbone. The deep pockets are breeding grounds for bacteria that become more dangerous as the pocket deepens.
A physician may recommend antibiotics, tonsillectomy, or other surgical ways to remove the debris. Drinking plenty of water, gargling with salt water, and controlling the urge to smoke are the necessary steps that the patient cannot avoid.
Probiotics can be consumed through supplements or certain foods like yogurt and kefir. Including these foods in your diet can help promote a healthy oral microbiome and reduce bad breath.
The role of oral hygiene in preventing bad breath
Certain prescription medications can also cause dry mouth, so if you believe this may be a possibility, check with the prescribing physician.
Some people find that rinsing their mouths with a mixture of water and baking soda helps neutralize odors and freshen their breath. Others prefer using essential oils like peppermint or tea tree oil as a natural mouthwash.