Teeth and Gums Teeth ProblemsWisdom TeethGum ProblemsOther Oral Problems Bad BreathDry MouthYour Throat, Tonsils, and GlandsTongue and Lip ProblemsJaw ProblemsOral and Throat CancerDental Care Basics Healthy MouthBrushing and FlossingDental Care for KidsDental Care for SeniorsTreatments & Surgery Correcting Crooked TeethSurgical TreatmentsOther Dental TreatmentsResources & Tools SlideshowsPictures View Full Guide
Bad breath causes include snoring, gum disease, acid reflux, respiratory infections, tonsil stones, diabetes, liver failure, kidney failure, H. pylori, dehydration, infections, and use of certain medications. Bad breath cures or remedies depend on the underlying cause. Some people use bad breath toothpaste or mouthwash to combat the problem.
.
Other things to avoid are alcohol, sugary foods, caffeine, and carbonated beverages. These foods and drinks can dry out your throat and feed the anaerobic bacteria that cause bad breath and tonsil stones in the first place.
The Benefits of Oil Pulling for Halitosis
If the dentist determines that the cause of bad breath is not related to oral health, they may refer you to a doctor for further evaluation. The doctor can assess your overall health and determine if there are any underlying medical conditions that need to be addressed.
My regular dentist moved to a new office. I was a little worried at first, but not after my first visit to the new... place. All of the staff were super friendly and this location is closer to my house. A win-win!read more
Jennifer was great. I love a hygienist who has OCD when it comes to cleaning my teeth! Office staff is always... great...very exceptional office. Busy but personable.read more
There’s no one specific “bad breath smell” because there are a variety of different causes for bad breath. Some common causes are:
Scientists have found that the sense of smell is most accurate between the ages of 30 and 60 years. It begins to decline after age 60, and a large proportion of elderly persons lose their smelling ability. Women of all ages are generally more accurate than men in identifying odors.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease, otherwise known as acid reflux or heartburn, is a condition in which the contents of the stomach flow backward into the esophagus. The undigested food, bile, and stomach acids coming back into the esophagus can cause pain and discomfort and may lead to bad breath.
The tonsils are lymph nodes located at the back of the throat. Tonsil stones (also called tonsilloliths or tonsil calculi) are small clusters of calcifications or stones that form in the craters (crypts) of the tonsils. Tonsil stones are hard and appear as white or yellowish formations on the tonsils. They usually smell bad (and make your breath smell bad) due to bacteria.
Still, there are several ways that you can fight halitosis and potentially remove your tonsil stones in the process.
Other medical conditions that can cause bad breath include gastrointestinal issues like acid reflux or liver disease. These conditions can cause stomach acids or toxins to be released into the mouth, resulting in an unpleasant odor.
Seeking support from healthcare professionals and loved ones is important in managing the physical and emotional impact of tonsil stones and halitosis. Healthcare professionals can provide guidance on treatment options and offer reassurance. Loved ones can provide emotional support and understanding.
Using baking soda as a mouthwash can also help freshen breath. Baking soda has natural deodorizing properties and can help neutralize odors in the mouth.
Dry mouth can be caused by dehydration, medication, or aging. Once you’ve identified dry mouth, we can look for the cause and try to find a solution.
Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is a common problem that affects millions of people worldwide. It can be embarrassing and can have a negative impact on a person's self-esteem and social interactions. While poor oral hygiene is often the main culprit of bad breath, there are other surprising causes that people may not be aware of.